The Princeton University Library Records consists of the files of the University Librarian and other Library administrators and departments, as well as of the Friends of the Princeton University Library. Materials in the record group include correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, minutes, press releases, proposals, statistics, photographs and other audiovisual materials, and microfilm. The records document the Library's day-to-day operations as well as its involvement with other departments on campus, other college and university libraries, and library users.

There is a significant amount of overlap among the series. Series 1 (University Librarian) in particular contains information that can be found in or complements material in most other series. Overall, the records of the Princeton University Library are particularly useful for research into the role and responsibilities of the University Librarian and other administrative staff; the structure and operations of the Library; cooperation between the Library and internal organizations such as the Friends of the Library as well as Princeton administrators, faculty and academic departments; changes in the field of library science, including computing and technology, in library architecture and design, as well as in fields of academic study that have affected the Library.

Please see series descriptions in contents list for additional information about individual series.