Central Files is composed chiefly of correspondence sent and received between Columbia University administrators and other University officers, faculty, and trustees, as well as correspondence sent and received between University administrators and individuals and organizations from outside the university.

This collection consists of 6 guest books kept at the President's House, 60 Morningside Drive. The guest books include the signatures of numerous guests attending a wide range of events held at the House during President Nicholas Murray Butler's tenure. Events include dinners with dignitatiries, dinners in honor of convocation honorees, commencement dinners, etc.