Original archive material includes correspondence, reports, minutes, notes, plans, photographs, slides, illustrations and watermark samples. Published material includes articles, brochures, catalogues, leaflets, price lists, sample books, advertisements, specifications, journals, newsletters, statistics, standards, patents, books

The archive collection has been divided into 13 series (see System of Arrangement), and comprises material regarding the management of the National Paper Museum; records of paper manufacturers, paper machinery manufacturers, paper associations and professional bodies; paper trade reference material; paper history research; material produced by or relating to other paper museums and exhibitions; and material collected directly by the National Paper Museum and via individual collectors.

The collection contained a large number of paper samples. Bound sample books or sample sets which have been produced for customer information or as a product catalogue have been included in this catalogue. Loose paper samples have not been included.