This series consists of materials related to Burroughs' personal life. Materials, which reflect his day to day life, include psychiatric evaluations, correspondence with doctors, a lawsuit from a former employee for unpaid wages, a bill for firearms, photographs, itineraries, a Scientology routine, and a card for a narcotics dependence program.

This series consists of letters, writing, press, and in some cases, artwork, with various correspondents, both personal and professional. Some files contain more publicity and less direct correspondence, as with Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose file includes an exhibition annoucement, and Andy Warhol, whose file includes his memorial program. Additionally, there is general correspondence, consisting of fan mail, requests for interviews, and publisher requests for feedback and reviews. These materials illustrate Burroughs' interest in maintaining numerous personal relationshsips and connections to his readers.

This series consists mostly of manuscript pages and drafts of Burroughs' writing, both published and unpublished. Publications include The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets, My Education: A Book of Dreams (1995), and The Letters of William S. Burroughs, Vol. 1: 1945-1959 (1993), as well as shorter works, including "Death Fiend Guerrillas", Ghost of Chance, "The Johnson Family", and Tornado Alley. Unpublished works consist of materials used for readings and events, daily journals, and many untitled manuscripts. Although many of the published works in the collection might not be as well known as some of Burroughs' other works, they all illustrate his signature semiautobiographical style (autobiographical in some cases here) and his lengthy revision process.

This series consists mainly of painted file folders, a few sketches, and targets from a firing range. Also included are Burroughs' artist CV and exhibition announcements, catalogs, and a poster. In most cases, painted file folders were retained with their original contents. In instances where the original contents were deaccessioned, painted file folders were moved to this series.

This series mostly consists of materials related to Burroughs' participation in public events, such as readings and lectures. Materials include event announcements (posters, flyers, and advertisements), correspondence, clippings and other press, and production schedules. Also included are materials related to The Final Academy, a four-day multimedia festival in England organized by Genesis P-Orridge and others in 1982. Materials include programs, schedules, tickets, and reviews. This series also contains materials related to Ted Morgan's biography of Burroughs, Literary Outlaw: The Life and Times of William S. Burroughs (1988); materials such as correspondence, notes, FOIA files from the FBI, archival files from Time, and transcripts of interviews with Burroughs are included.

This series includes printed material (articles, clippings, journals, and catalogs) on various topics of interest to Burroughs. Many of these topics, such as firearms, animals, drugs, and the occult, were frequent subjects of his writing. Additional subjects covered include the Illuminates of Thanateros and UFOs. Also included is writing by other authors (such as David Ohle and Spencer Kansa).