The Clara Booth Byrd Papers contain correspondence, drawings, photographs, blueprints, construction contracts and specifications, speeches, and talks. Also included are copies of by-laws, committee minutes, and reports of the Alumnae Association that never made their way to the official university records.

Before donating these papers to the University Archives, Byrd made handwritten notations identifying correspondents, giving dates and clarifying particular matters. She also rearranged some of the papers; therefore original order could not be determined. In the archives the material was interfiled regardless of source except for the American Alumni Council, which was filed separately.

The largest amount of material in the collection pertains to Byrd's tenure as Secretary of the Alumnae Association (1922-1947). Correspondence with association presidents, other alumnae, faculty and staff reflect the everyday operation of the Association as well as special campus events, including commencement, Founder's Day, the 50th Anniversary celebration, building dedications and portrait unveilings.

Among the Alumnae Association materials, the papers dealing with the construction of the Alumnae House form the largest amount. Topics covered include finances, design, construction and decoration. Former college president Dr. Julius Foust is represented in the correspondence about the Alumnae House.

Another large group of papers concerns the American Alumni Council, a professional organization of alumni secretaries in which Byrd was active. Smaller amounts of material deal with the Friends of the Library, North Carolina Federation of Woman's Clubs, Tryon Palace Commission, and the Historical Book Club of North Carolina.