Correspondence to and from E.W. Blatchford concerning Newberry Library, as well as letters, reports, and other materials held by E.W. Blatchford concerning the development of the Newberry Library and its operations. Of particular note is correspondence between architect Henry Ives Cobb, librarian William Frederick Poole, and Newberry trustees regarding building plans and layout. Also included are early copies of Newberry rules and regulations, letters detailing employee grievances, job applications, financial statements, various committee reports, real estate holdings, and syllabi from the Centre for University Extension. There are also items collected from other libraries and institutions for ideas and comparison, as well as details regarding periodical selection and bookplate design, and letters written by Newberry trustee Mark Skinnner.

Materials related to the Blatchford family, and E.W. Blatchford's business, religious, and cultural activities have been removed and added to the Blatchford family papers.