The Mary Ellen Chase Papers include biographical material including articles, correspondence, photographs, awards, financial information, reviews and writings. The latter part, which comprises the bulk of the collection, includes Chases's books, articles, and lectures in manuscript, typescript, galley and final published form. Among her books are translations of many of her titles into several languages.

The Smith College Archives houses other letters and photographs of Mary Ellen Chase that are not kept among the Mary Ellen Chase Papers, but with the papers of the other professors or students to whom the letters or pictures belonged. These are not listed in this finding aid, but can be located by consulting the card catalogue of the College Archives. The Mortimer Rare Book Room also holds some Mary Ellen Chase material, and likewise these holdings are not listed here, but can be found by consulting the catalogue of the Mortimer Rare Book Room.

This collection is organized into six series:

• Biography
• Photographs
• Personal Correspondence
• Professional Correspondence
• Speeches
• Publications