The Biography series (0.1 linear feet) contains biographical sketches and Curriculum Vitae, his Air Force honorary discharge certificate, academic information such as faculty activity reports and a recording agreement, Fulbright information and correspondence, and a clipping.
The Correspondence series (0.9 linear feet) is organized chronologically with a few topically organized folders. The bulk of the letters are from Patterson's time at Michigan between 1968 and 1999 and primarily document his official correspondence. Included are both original letters sent to Patterson and copies of Patterson's outgoing letters.