The Ernest B. Harper papers document Harper's professional contributions to the field of social work and social work education, particularly through his membership in the National Council on Social Work Education (NCSWE), the American Association of Schools of Social Work (AASSW), and the Association for the Study of Community Organization (ASCO). The first series of related materials correspond to Harper's participation in AASSW (1936-1952). Included are his personal correspondence with the social work community and its various officials. During this period, Harper helped establish classes to train future social workers. Many of his letters contain his inquiries about various curricula and programs. These files also include agendas of AASSW meetings; problems in education (i.e. improvement of graduate programs, less ambiguous undergraduate programs), as well as business information relating to the operation of the association (i.e. operating costs, amended by-laws, etc.). The second series of related materials document Harper's participation in ASCO (1945-1955), first as a standing member, and later as Board Member and President. This organization studied community organization in the area of social welfare. Its projects included analyzing various community concerns and making suggestion for improvement. The ASCO records include copies of Board meeting itineraries, issues addressed, progress reports on past studies, and workshops and discussion group material. The third series of materials outline Harper's involvement with NCSWE (1946-1951). This organization focused on the educational aspect of social work. However, they concentrated more on particular studies rather than on education. Included are meeting outlines, correspondence regarding grants, appointment of officials and other operations material, study committee records, a summary of the Hollis-Taylor Report (an in-depth study of social work), committee reaction, and newsletters and publications related to this subject. The final series includes records on the first eight Invitational Conferences on Undergraduate Education; some of Harper's personal papers, including his diary; and a select group of some of his publications between 1934 and 1948.