The collection contains subject files, research files, and corresponding file cards, much of which Avery used to write her two books. Other items include materials related to Avery's books, writings, class notes, faculty and student evaluations, conference and lecture material, material related to the Mormon History Association, correspondence, miscellaneous articles and essays, and general office files.

This collection contains the notes, photos, drafts, and research gathered in preparation for former USU student Lisa Godfrey's M.A. thesis, "Mining the Colorado Plateau: The Story of Calamity Mesa 1910-1970." The thesis is an examination of a mining community in southwestern Colorado and was prepared as part of an application to designate the area as a national historic site.