This series contains manuscripts for many of Beard's numerous cookbooks. It is arrange into fifteen subseries based on project. The folders within each subseries are arranged alphabetically and then chronoligcally, if dated. The "Unidentified" subseries contains discrete records that appear to have been part of larger, unidentified projects. Criteria for this subseries included pagination and titles that suggest the draft process of writing.

This series is comprised of all non-recurring, non-manuscript writing, including short, independent works, notes, and works by others with comments by Beard.

This series is comprised of recurring, non-manuscript writing, including scripts from television shows and various magazine columns. Subseries are arranged alphabetically by project title.

This series contains Beard's professional and personal correspondence. All materials in original folders were kept together with the original folder titles. Loose correspondence that did not appear to be in any particular order was arranged chronologically.

This series contains Beard's personal materials, including awards, calendars, certificates, datebooks, itineraries and receipts. Materials are arranged alphabetically within two subseries: General and Awards.

This series contains the considerable array of foldered and loose recipes found among Beard's Papers. Foldered records were kept in their original order and for loose recipes, original order was maintained as much as possible by leaving groups of similarly focused recipes together, marked by the sqaure brackets surrounding their folder title. Loose recipes that did not appear to be in any particular order were placed in folders titled [Misc. Recipes].

This series contains materials regarding professional events Beard took part in, including cooking classes, contests and demonstrations. The materials are arranged alphabetically.

This series contains printed materials kept by Beard, including booklets, catalogs, maps, newsletters and posters. It is divided into two subseries by genre and arranged alphabetically.

This series contains clippings from various magaines and newspapers. Materials are arranged alphabetically by publication title, if provided, and then by article title.