Records of the University Librarian contains the earliest documentation for the University Library. The majority of the records date from 1808 to the construction and subsequent move to the Sterling Library in 1930.
The records consist of the central administrative files of the Yale University Library, correspondence, memoranda, and reports dealing with all aspects of library business and historical photographs from library events. Records for the earlier years appear to be part of a central filing system for the library, while those in later years primarily reflect the activities of the university librarian's office.
Cataloguing is arranged by subseries. Classification systems, library catalogues, periodical and newspaper indices are then arranged chronologically. Miscellaneous collection catalogues are arranged alphabetically by collection name and miscellaneous subject catalogues are arranged alphabetically by subject.