Materials are arranged into three groups: filed loose papers, intact ring-binder notebooks, and disassembled notebooks. Loose papers consist primarily of draft copies of writings authored by Bales. These include short articles as well as book-length manuscripts. Especially notable are draft copies of unpublished autobiographical works, as well as files pertaining to various debates. In some instances files contain supporting research materials and correspondence. Materials also include short pamphlets. Notebook materials include draft writings, correspondence, and research notes. Published books by Bales are located in the Bales Library collection. Additional topical writings may be located in Series V-XIII.