The James Thayer Gerould and Lawrence Heyl subseries consists primarily of correspondence documenting the development of special collections within the Library and the expansion of the Library staff. Most of the files originate with Gerould (University Librarian, 1920-1940); however there are also records in this series that were generated by Lawrence Heyl, who was acting librarian 1939-1940, and Julian Boyd, who transitioned into the role of University Librarian in 1940. The records contain correspondence and subject files which document a diverse range of topics. Several folders are dedicated to collections acquired by the Library during this time, while others such as that relating to collector and Princeton's first Curator of Graphic Arts Elmer Adler, (Box 3, Folder 3) hint at long-term plans. Another file, "Federal Aid to Libraries" documents the Library's attempt to engage New Deal funding in the midst of the Great Depression.