The collection primarily tracks Barnes's poetic career, specifically regarding his service as editor of the Chariton Review and contributions to other poetry journals, and contains manuscripts of his own poetry as well as that of Dagmar Nick, which he translated from German, and numerous books of poetry written by friends/contributors to the Chariton Review. It also contains personal documents such as correspondence, bills, and photos.

Materials contain literature describing Heiner's life in Australia, specifically the landscape and the people. Authors vary, and the texts range in form, some in prose, some in verse. Dated approximately 1912.

Contains a book of 34 poems by Utah women entitled "Souvenir of Utah," edited by Emmeline B. Wells and dedicated to Margaret Blaine Salisbury. The book includes a poem by Sarah E. Russe1l [daughter of Isaac Russell [Sr.]], entitled "Hope," on page 13. The book was originally published in 1893 as "Songs and Flowers of the Wasatch," with handpainted illustrations by Edna Wells Sloane.