The David L. Friday papers consist primarily of lecture correspondence. There are also a set of financial records (mostly undated) that might pertain to Friday's tenure at the University of Michigan, some telegrams and newsclippings, legislative material, and Friday's working papers.

The Robert Shaw papers contain correspondence (1891-1940), publications, petitions, reports, legislation, council, and other university-related information, news clippings, an article on the sugar beet, and biographical papers, including honorary degrees and a memorial.