The Dorothy E. Snyder papers consist primarily of correspondence, manuscripts, travel journals, and notes. There is very little about Snyder's personal life in these papers; most material relates to books or articles in progress or to the Peabody Museum of Salem. Except for a few bird "roll-call" notebooks (1921-1924), there is little in this collection about Snyder's life and work prior to 1943. The collection has been organized into seven series.

Series I. Correspondence has been divided into two subseries, Outgoing and Incoming. Most of Snyder's correspondence appears to have been generated by Snyder to obtain information and consult with other experts in her field while she was writing various books and articles. There is very little personal correspondence. All correspondence has been place in alphabetical order by correspondent. Each correspondent's letters are arranged chronologically. Major correspondents by volume include Richard J. Eaton, Eugene Eisenmann, Richard French, Noel Howe, James P. Pool, ad Alexander Wetmore.

Series II. Field Journals contains notebooks and journals kept while Snyder traveled the world, birdwatching.

Series III. Publications consists of material about articles and books written by Snyder such as reviews, notes, proofs, sales reports, and typed copies of manuscripts.

Series IV. Scrapbook consists of the contents of a scrapbook of newspaper clippings from the years 1943 through 1959.

Series V. Marblehead Neck Sanctuary contains notes, articles, bird sightings, plant notes, and bird checklists from the Marblehead Neck Sanctuary.

Series VI. Notes contains files of various bird watching activities as well as three boxes of index cards recording birds sighted.

Series VII. Miscellaneous Personal and Professional Activities contains biographical information, news clippings, programs from ornithological conferences, and material from other professional activities.