The archive consists of correspondence, diaries, and clippings, mostly related to McNairn's wartime experience, but including some travels prior to the war.

Fonds consists of 74 diaries, relating to research trips, academic administration, and his daily life.

Collection contains original artwork and copies of posters for the McMaster Campus Cinema screening program; posters or comic art created or collected by Art Cooper; and fanzines and mini comics created in the Southern Ontario region, particularly in the early 1970s.