Each section is preceded by an introduction that explains how to access the materials. Within each section, collections are arranged alphabetically. In cases where only a portion of a large collection relates to World War II, the date and quantity refer to the entire collection, and the narrative specifies the nature of the World War II-related material. An index to personal and organizational names and to subjects is also included. The card catalog and register in the Archives Reading Room will contain all the individual names.
Some entries contain cross-references to related collections listed elsewhere in the guide.
For example, if photographs have been separated from a manuscript collection and the photographs concern World War II, a cross-reference is provided so that users of the guide will be directed between entries in the manuscript and photograph sections. When photographs or any other separated material is not relevant to the war, no cross-reference is provided. The numbers used in all such references are the entry numbers in this guide. The film section of the guide has not been cross-referenced with the rest of the material. Films are numbered separately from the rest of the guide, and they have not been incorporated into the appendices and index.