1. 文学；文学作品
    Novels, plays, and poetry are referred to as literature, especially when they are considered to be good or important.

    e.g. ...classic works of literature.
           文学经典
    e.g. ...a Professor of English Literature...
           英国文学教授

2. （某一学科的）著述，文献，图书资料
    The literature on a particular subject of study is all the books and articles that have been published about it.

    e.g. The literature on immigration policy is almost unrelievedly critical of the state...
           关于移民政策方面的著述几乎总是会一成不变地批评政府。
    e.g. This work is documented in the scientific literature.
           这一著作被列为科学文献。

3. 印刷品；宣传品
    Literature is written information produced by people who want to sell you something or give you advice.

    e.g. I am sending you literature from two other companies that provide a similar service...
           我把另外两家提供类似服务的公司的宣传资料发给你。
    e.g. Some companies have toned down the claims on their promotional literature.
           一些公司已降低了宣传资料中标榜之词的调门。