Each of the Named/Individual Photograph Collections has a description in the inventory. The majority of the collections, however, are from alumni and former faculty and staff, or individuals with ties to campus and the New River Valley. Collections depict campus life and events, railroad history, agricultural extension research, Blacksburg and surrounding areas, and some local families. Each named collection listed has at least one photograph; some subjects have multiple folders or boxes.

In most cases, collections are named for the collector/creator or based on the subject matter.