The papers of Karlton and William Kelm are arranged in four inter-related series, and relate primarily to the literary efforts of the two Kelm brothers. Series one contains correspondence written by and to both Karlton and William Kelm. There are letters from: Edward J. O'Brien, Wilbur Schramm, Jean Toomer, Erling Larsen, Raymond Kresensky, Lee Ver Duft, Meridel Le Sueur, and August Derleth. The next section is made up of the works on which the two brothers collaborated. Series three consists of both manuscripts and the published writings of Karlton Kelm, while the final grouping concerns William's works. Materials relating to their literary magazine, the Dubuque Dial, are found throughout the collection.