The Lancaster papers are divided into five series.

NOTE: Box and folder locations of materials listed are denoted by numbers separated by a colon following "Box-folder:" Because the Lancaster papers are stored off-site, they must be requested three days in advance of anticipated use. Desired boxes can be identified on this listing and then requested through the library catalog, ADDISON. When requested, they will be delivered to Special Collections for use in the reading room.

Series I, Biographical Materials, is divided into general groupings of information about Lancaster and her family. Materials are not organized at a folder level. Information includes personal items such as class notes from grade school through graduate school, ephemera such as membership cards and poetry, photographs, and materials belonging to other family members. There are several family bibles and photographs. [These were formerly boxes 1-13 of the Personal Biographical Materials grouping.]

Series II, Correspondence, contains personal correspondence as well as work-related materials regarding administration, reference questions, and bibliographies. Correspondence is arranged chronologically. There are also many postcards. Postcards sent to Lancaster are arranged by date, while those she collected as souvenirs are arranged alphabetically by place. [These were formerly boxes 1-14 of the Correspondence grouping.]

Series III, Genealogy Materials, is listed in two subseries but stored alphabetically. While the focus is mostly research about various family members and branches, there is also material about family reunions and general genealogy research and workshops. [These were formerly boxes 1-5 of the Genealogy grouping.]

Series III, Membership Organization Materials, is arranged alphabetically by name of organization. It include papers from many groups in Blacksburg as well as VPI associations. Lancaster often served as secretary in the groups, so minutes and correspondence are present. [These were formerly boxes 1-7 of the Memberships grouping.]

Series IV, Travel Materials, includes notes and diaries from extensive travel that are arranged chronologically. These include initial correspondence sent to inquire about a place, itineraries, journals, receipts for purchases, and photographs. [These were formerly boxes 1-4 of the Travel grouping.]