The collection consists primarily of typescript copies of John Work's journals and letters, most of which were collected by the scholar Isaac Burpee in preparation for a publication in the early 1940s, and by the scholar T. C. Elliott. A typescript of Burpee's book "The story of John Work" (1943) and Burpee's handwritten notes are included in the collection. The Work journals provide details on all aspects of the various expeditions in which he participated. They include observations on flora, fauna, Native peoples, and the logistics of travel and encampment. The collection also includes copies of Work's letters to Edward Ermatinger of the Hudson's Bay Company, and a copy of Work's will.

Microfilm in the collection contains copies of the original manuscript journals of John Work, 1823-1835, along with typescript copies of 1945, both of which are held at the Royal BC Musuem and Archives.