An artificial collection comprised of correspondence, diaries, lecture notes, essays, administrative documents, minutes, and other documents related to Columbia University. Materials were created by or for students, alumni, faculty, administrators, staff, trustees, and honorary degree recipients.

The Historical Subject Files Collection documents Columbia University history and related topics from 1754 to the present. The collection includes articles, booklets, clippings, correspondence, memoranda, non-photographic images, notes, pamphlets, posters, press releases, programs and reports.

This collection contains copies of Butler's speeches delivered at Columbia University as well as at numerous other institutions from 1882 to 1947 during his tenure as president of the Industrial Education Association as well as Columbia University. While the speeches address a number of topics, they primarily focus on the state of America's higher educational system, potential educational reforms, and local and international American politics (particularly in relation to the Republican Party and war).