The collection consists of correspondence, sketchbooks, notebooks, photographs, audiovisual materials, and other papers that document the work and social circle of poet Don Byrd. Notable correspondents include Charles Bernstein, Clayton Eshleman, Susan Howe, Gerrit Lansing, Paul Metcalf, and Jed Rasula. Photographs include color and black and white portraits of Byrd and other poets. Audiovisual materials consist of audio recordings made by Byrd of poets including John Ashbery, Charles Bernstein, Gerrit Lansing, Paul Metcalf, Charles Olson, and others.