Fonds consists of biographical notes, clippings, articles, early educational records, research notes, draft manuscripts, field notebooks, reports, publications, correspondence, lecture and course notes, maps, photographic prints, and slides pertaining to M.Y. Williams' professional and personal activities.

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).