The records consist mainly of correspondence and material on issues related to academics, appointments, budgets, departments, faculty, planning, programs, schools, and students. The records also include reports, statistical information, and committee and meeting materials.
The Graduate School of Journalism Records document the progression of the school from its founding in 1912 through the 1990s. The records consist of audio/visual material, clippings, copies of various publications, administrative correspondence, notes, photographs, and transcriptions of articles and speeches.
The Robert K. Merton papers document the noted sociologist's career as a student, professor, writer, and researcher. Merton's numerous and varied academic and professional affiliations, activities, and accomplishments are reflected in correspondence, memoranda, drafts, clippings, and notes.
Herbert H. Hyman (1918-1985), an expert on the science of polling, was a professor of sociology at both Columbia University (1951-1969) and Wesleyan University (1969-1985). His papers deal primarily with his professional research interests and projects, but also include some teaching materials. His files include budgets, code books, correspondence, course materials, drafts, grant files, proposals, surveys, and typescripts.