The collection includes correspondence and notes, and the manuscripts of his published and unpublished books, articles and addressee. The collection has been expanded with the acquisition of photographs, photographic glass plates, scrapbooks, additional notes, miscellaneous papers and memorabilia.The final additions to the Fairchild papers were made after the Professor's death, when his wife gave the residue of his personal papers to the Library.

The papers consist mainly of maps and reports related to Professor Gavett's tour of duty in France with the Engineering Corp during World War I.