The eight series in this collection consist primarily of files created by Works Progress Administration workers while conducting research for a California literature project sponsored by the Alameda County Library. The project resulted in eight volumes of reference works on California literature. Series 1 consists of biographical research files for the 1942 publication of "Biographies of California Authors." These files are arranged alphabetically by author's surname and include filled-out standardized forms intended to collect biographical data and genealogical information. These files may also include longer biographical narratives and some bibliographical information. Series 2 through 4 consist of files created in the course of researching the three-volumes of "Bibliography of California Literature: Fiction, Poetry, Drama," published in 1938. Series 5 and 7 consist of files for what appears to be a never-completed volume on non-fiction and a never-completed geographical index. Series 6 includes files created in the course of researching the three volumes of "Criticism of California Literature, a Digest and Bibliography." Series 8 consists of miscellaneous files, files on sources, a manuscript of "Biographies of California Authors and Indexes of California Literature," some files relating the monographs and indexes published by the California Literary Research Project in 1935, and lists of workers who were employed on the projects.