[Purpose/significance] Currently, under the strategic background of accelerating the construction of an in⁃dependent knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences, the construction and research of classic litera⁃ture has highlighted unprecedented urgency and practical significance. [Method/process] This paper, based on the theoretical perspectives of information resource management, education, and other disciplines, comprehensively utiliz⁃es research methods such as literature surveys and comparative analysis to deeply explore the conceptual connotation,main characteristics, and originality of the concept of "classic literature". [Result/conclusion] The "classic literature" comprises mainstream, classic, and essential reading materials from various disciplines, selected by the academic com⁃munity based on scientific standards and standardized procedures. This selection, along with the subsequent compilation and processing of these materials into a reading tool and reference system, possesses nine key characteristics: timeli⁃ness, consensus, leadership, historical relevance, and originality. Addressing the strategic need to construct an indepen⁃dent knowledge system for China, and grounded in the intellectual soil of Chinese philosophy and social sciences, the "classic literature" has refined new terminology, endowed it with new connotations, derived new conclusions, formed new advantages, and achieved new expansions, thus fulfilling the characteristics of an original academic concept.