The Carl A. Fields Papers consist of correspondence, reports, research material on race relations and minority education, handwritten notes, project proposals, and other papers that document his life and active career. The collection contains a large amount of material generated from the three years spent as the Planning Officer at the University of Zambia (through a Ford Foundation Fellowship), as well as his services as a consultant and founder of the African Technical Educational Consultant Service. There is also documentation related to Princeton University and the surrounding community, particularly during the years of Fields's administrative positions, although his continuous involvement in the Association of Black Princeton Alumni after he left Princeton is also well represented. Some material was collected posthumously, including correspondence to his wife and the programs and speeches from memorial services held in his honor.

Please see the individual series and subseries descriptions in the contents list for additional information.