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Series II, CORRESPONDENCE, is the most extensive series in the collection. It includes both incoming and outgoing letters. Five divisions have been created: correspondence circa 1950-1984, letters to mother 1949-1953, letters from mother 1953-1983, letters from family and childhood friends, and miscellaneous letters. These divisions follow an alphabetical scheme as well. Correspondence with several famous individuals will be found in this series. For example, there are letters from politicians like Robert Kennedy and Jacob Javits, and literary figures, like Louis Zukofksy, Charles Olson, and Robert Creeley. Most of the letters are still retained in their original envelopes.

Series III, WORKS OF OTHERS, contains various writings saved by Dawson. There are two divisions: newspaper articles and reviews of Dawson by others, and books, poems, etc. by others. The first division is arranged according to the title of Dawson's work. The second division is arranged alphabetically according to the last name of the writer. Some of the poems and other works were written by people that Dawson knew personally.

Series IV, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, AND MEMORABILIA, is composed of various non-literary records pertaining to Dawson's life. Seven divisions have been created: assorted photos, artwork, slides and tape recordings, Black Mountain and Franz Kline memorabilia, calendars and diaries, financial and legal records, and personal memorabilia.

Series I, WRITINGS, is composed of Dawson's literary works. These works have been placed into the following nine divisions: stories, essays, poems, plays, book manuscripts, reviews and criticism, screenplay, published copies of works, and fragments and miscellaneous. Each division is arranged alphabetically. The majority of these papers are unpublished draft with a fair amount of annotation.

Series V, ASSORTED PUBLICATIONS, is comprised of a number of printed writings, none of which are authored by Dawson. Two divisions are present: art and literary announcements (some of which refer to works of Dawson), and various periodicals, magazines, etc.