The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Los Angeles Collection documents the establishment, evolution, and achievements of Los Angeles' YWCA branches. The bulk of the collection consists of publicity and memorabilia including brochures, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, newsletters, and scrapbooks. Also contained in the collection are extensive administrative records such as by-laws, constitutions, correspondence, financial statements, historical profiles, minutes of various boards and committees, position papers, studies, and reports. The collection is arranged in three major series: Young Women's Christian Association Administrative Records (ca. 1890-1984), Mary Andrews Clark Residence (1910-1986), and Hollywood Studio Club (1915-ca. 1979).

Series I, Young Women's Christian Association Administrative Records, is divided into seven subseries. Administrative Records (ca. 1890-1974), contains the YWCA's organizational records including annual reports, articles of incorporation, brochures and pamphlets, committee records, constitutions, correspondence, financial statements, various YWCA histories, reports, studies, and audio recordings. Audio recordings are available digitally. It is arranged alphabetically by subject. Board Records (1903-1966), documents the meetings of several YWCA boards, committees, and various joint committee meetings. The files are arranged by board and chronologically within. Committee Records (1904-1971), includes materials from the many committees created to handle the work of the ever-expanding organization. The bulk of the subseries contains minutes and reports of the Executive Committee. The files are arranged in alphabetical order by name of committee. YWCA Branch Records (1908-1975), contains annual reports, brochures, correspondence, fact sheets, histories, pamphlets, and related publicity material on the many branches, campuses, clubs and residences maintained or supported by the YWCA of Los Angeles. The records document the activities of the Mary Andrews Clark Residence, Hollywood Studio Club, International Institute, Japanese Branch, and the San Fernando YWCA Project. YWCA Publicity Files (ca. 1890-1984), includes brochures, handbooks, newsletters, and related reference items documenting the activities of the YWCA of Los Angeles. Newspaper clippings constitute the bulk of the subseries. The subseries is arranged by type of material and chronologically within each category. Scrapbooks (1893-1970), includes completed and fragmented scrapbooks documenting the YWCA's activities throughout the decades, including local and national events and conventions. Photographs (ca. 1900-1964), includes photographic prints, negatives, and albums documenting the people and events associated with the Los Angeles chapter of the YWCA.

Series II, Mary Andrews Clark Residence, is divided into eight subseries. Administrative Records (1910-1982), contains correspondence and monthly reports by Esther May Carter, as well as financial reports and ephemera. Board and Committee Records (1915-1969), contains reports from the William Andrews Clark Memorial, Clark Residence Committee, Study Committee, Committee of Management and the Ellen Groshon Loan Fund Committee. Publicity Files (1943-1965), contains newspaper clippings from 1948 as well as postcards. Scrapbooks (1912-1986), contains brochures, invitations, letters, newsletters, newspaper clippings, photographs and programs. Resident Files (1913-1976), consists primarily of correspondence. Resident Committee Files (1947-1967), contains a variety of minutes and activities for the local and the national YWCA. Personnel policies, night hostess manual, notices and room rates are included. National Publications (1927-1970), contains copies of the journal, The Women's Press. Photographs (1911-1976), includes photographic prints, negatives, and slides documenting the people and events associated with the Mary Andrews Clark Residence.

Series III, Hollywood Studio Club, documents the YWCA's philanthropic work with young women who came to Los Angeles to seek fame and fortune in the movie industry. The material contained in this series includes resident files, newspaper clippings, magazine clippings, announcements, magazines, guest books, photographs, invitations, and ephemera. It is divided into six subseries. Administrative Records(1919-ca.1979), contains the Hollywood Studio Club account books, annual reports, broadsides, by-laws, correspondence, architectural drawings, history, resident lists, and materials concerning the operations of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Committee Records (1917-1970), includes notes, minutes, and records of the Study Committee as well as the Advisory, Management, and Administrative Committees. Publicity Files (ca. 1915-ca. 1979), contains articles, artwork, newspaper clippings, press releases, and the report to the national YWCA. Many items central to Hollywood publicity are also contained in the subseries. Scrapbooks (1915-ca. 1970), contains oversized materials including photographs, newspaper clippings, invitations and other ephemera. Non-YWCA Materials (1921-1968) includes the book, The History of Hollywood. Photographs (ca. 1920-1974), includes photographic prints, negatives, slides, and albums documenting the people and events associated with Hollywood Studio Club.