This collection is primarily composed of books and notes related to Butler professor May Schaefer Iske, including those discussing the sciences, with a focus on zoology, and the culture at Butler University during her time here. It includes alumni directories and information surrounding the university’s founding. Additionally, there are personal notes and writings, most of which pertain to her teaching, such as class reflections.

Of note in this collection are the original pages and photocopies of the book “Laboratory Directions in General Zoology,” a text May Schaefer Iske wrote with colleagues Henry Lane Bruner and Harriet D Johnson. Also included in the collection is a later copy of the book which lists Iske only as assisting with writing, an issue discussed in one of her personal letters.