The fonds consists of several series including: Correspondence (189--1985); Family and Early Papers (1802-1992); Subject Files (1947-1977); Speeches, Articles and Publications; (1925-1974); Biographical Material (1908-1990, 2009); Canada Council (1950-1972), Canadian National Commission for UNESCO (1957-1974), Canadian Universities Foundation (1962/63), Canadian-American Committee (1957-1976), Carnegie Foundation (1951-1963), Centenary Council (1962-1969), Centennial Commission (1964- 1977), John and Mary Markle Foundation (1952-1971), Koerner Foundation (1962-1978), League of Nations Society (1926-1940), Nova Scotia Grants Committee (1962-1974); Massey Commission (1949-1956), Senate (1966-1968); Travels (1954-1978); University of East Africa Commission (1962-1963); Wartime Information Board (1942-1945); Financial Records (1928-1982); Printed/Published Material (1909-1982); and Photographs (1900- 1977). There is also the Margaret (Margie) Thomas MacKenzie sous-fonds.

The fonds contain materials that document William Fredeman's professional activities and personal life. It consists of correspondence, reports, copies of articles, course materials, a journal, clippings, microfilms and photocopies of original manuscripts, written notes and other research materials, photographs, videocassettes, a set of index cards, and a metal seal bearing the logo of the Journal of Pre-Raphaelite & Aesthetic Studies. The materials are arranged in the following series: Colbeck Collection, JPRAS (Journal of Pre-Raphaelite & Aesthetic Studies), Emily Faithfull and the Victorian Press, Victorian Poetry, T.J. Wise and UBC Materials, Mosher Books, Correspondence, Subject Files, Miscellaneous, Microfilm, and Audiovisual Materials. The photographs and videocassettes are stored separately.