The collection consists of minutes, correspondence and reports arising from two committees on which Leonard Staley (Professor of Agricultural Mechanics) was a member, the National Committee on Agricultural Engineering and the Farm Building Standards Committee. The latter was formed in the early 1960s as a standing committee that contributed to the development of the National Building Code of Canada.

Gathered by a former student and colleague, Charles F. Ripley, this research collection includes three series relating to Terzaghi including; biographical materials, publications and professional reports. The reports series includes information about the British Columbia projects with which Terzaghi was involved. The research collection also includes copies of publications by Ralph B. Peck and J.D. Mollard.

The collection consists of materials acquired by Special Collections and the University Archives and maintained for purposes of historical research. It includes reports, correspondence, committee minutes, course materials, architectural and other drawings, newspaper and magazine clippings, press releases, posters, brochures, and other published materials. The materials are arranged alphabetically by subject or name (e.g. organisations, University departments, events, buildings/places, and individuals).