The majority of the collection is 35 mm negatives with contact sheets. There are some larger-sized negatives and prints as well. It is organized alphabetically by subject, with some unsorted or not clearly labeled images at the end. The photos were taken by or for the U of I Publications department. Only a few images have photographer information, some of which were taken by Leo Ames.

Second series includes photographs, negatives, contact sheets, papers, and slides.