Series consists of original sketches (483) and watercolours (120), lino and woodblocks and prints, cancellation proofs for lithographs and woodcuts, as well as other art forms (including street banners and welded metal) in which Black worked. There is also a small volume of artwork by others.

Series consists of Black's war medals, colour pallet, brushes, pencils, art and carving instruments, and skulls used in teaching. It also includes a sculptured head, colour separations used to reproduce some of Black's art for cards and other purposes, and a stamp album begun in Black’s youth.

Series consists of six audio tapes, including a radio interview with Black (1987), two performances of "Sam Black Sketches (1988 and 1990), and speeches given on his 50th wedding anniversary. The video tapes, particularly "Sam Black: Surface Flows," "Art Explorations A Workshop with Sam Black," and "Shared Visions," provide exciting insights into Black's philosophy about art.

Series consists of general information about Black's career, educational records, documents created during and just following his military service, and records relating to various awards, honours and recognition bestowed on him.

Series consists of genealogical information about the Black and Howie families and material relating to Black’s father, James Black, including a photograph album with images from the Boer War and various ships from World War I. In addition, there are documents relating to Black’s mother, Elizabeth Campbell and granddaughter Yarah Hooley, and a copy of a Black family history published by Myra Davey (née Black) in 2006, with a CD of digitized images.

Series consists of incoming correspondence from various individuals (1939-1997). The series also includes incoming correspondence with British artist Robin Tanner (1949-1988) and with Tim Fenn regarding the Tanner correspondence (1990/91).

Series consists of photographic prints, negatives and slides, divided into very general categories, including Sam Black and family, Black artwork and photographs taken by Black during his travels. The pictures of artwork, used in conjunction with the cancellation proofs and the lino- and woodblock prints, provide a vital record in documenting the breadth of Black's artistic output during his career.

Series consists of copies of Black's China Sketchbook, a publication with text and sketches prepared by Black based on a visit to the Peoples Republic of China. It includes related correspondence, printed material arising from the trip and the production of the publication. The series also includes copies of assorted articles by Black for educational journals and copies of newspaper articles with sketches that he compiled while on various travels to Australia, Europe and the Middle East.

The fonds consists of biographical material, family information, correspondence, speeches, publications, subject files, teaching and reference material, photographs, audio and videotapes and artifacts. The fonds also includes various forms of Black's artwork. A copy of a Black family history published by Myra Davey (née Black) in 2006 had a CD of digitized images.

Series consists of copies of speeches and lectures delivered by Sam Black. This material provides valuable insights into Black's attitudes toward art and education.

Series consists of an artificially assembled grouping of files that did not easily fit into the other series identified in the fonds.

Series consists of miscellaneous notes used by Black in teaching, some student comments on his courses, and other subject-based files he might have used for education or general reference. The series also includes pictures of works of art mounted on cardboard probably used by Black in teaching. There is also material relating to Black's interest in calligraphy.