The records of Local 48B (1952-1985) reflect both traditional union activities in the factories and the internal factionalism within the union. Detailed minutes (1952-1984) include shop reports, committee reports, and the reports of delegates to the Holyoke Central Labor Union and national conventions. Beginning in the 1970's there is substantial information concerning the emergence of rank-and-file criticism. Copies of agreements (1958-1984) show the evolution of collective bargaining with the National Blank Book Company. In addition, there are extensive notes on the contract negotiations in 1979 and 1981.

Copies of three newsletters, all from the rank-and-file group, represent three phases of opposition, 1976-1978, 1980, and 1985, and document the concerns and successes that motivated the rank-and-file opposition. Finally, a small number of subject files document the more militant activities of the 1980's leadership.