The Ruby Cohn Papers consists largely of manuscripts toward published and unpublished essays and lectures on Samuel Beckett. In addition, the collection includes correspondence and manuscripts toward published and unpublished essay and lectures on modern theater and analyses of playwrights.

The William H. Gass Papers consist largely of his own manuscript material: manuscripts and proof material toward his books, drafts of various stories, essays, and reviews, interviews, and a miscellaneous assortment of notes and other materials. Also present is a substantial amount of professional correspondence, primarily with universities, magazines, and publishers, as well as with his colleagues in academia and in the literary community.

The Mona Van Duyn Papers contain manuscripts and editorial matter toward her books, including the award-winning Near Changes. In addition, there are numerous drafts of individual poems and correspondence from and manuscripts by numerous literary figures.