The Robert and Betty Franklin Collection documents the careers of the Franklins through their writing and photography. Materials cover 1953-2001 and focus on community service, social organization, local politics, infrastructure expansion projects, business, and education, and include the Hansen Dam Recreation Area, Pioneer Cemetery, and the Sylmar and San Fernando Chambers of Commerce. The direct relationship of Robert Franklin’s photographs to the newspaper articles written by Betty Franklin provide additional photographic content of events beyond the single photograph represented in articles, and a more extensive and deeper portrait of daily life of the cities of Sylmar, Pacoima, and San Fernando. The collection has been divided into three series: Newspaper Clippings (1961-2001), Photographs (1961-2000), and Subject Files (1953-1990).

Series I, Newspaper Clippings, documents Betty Franklin's work as a reporter, and consists entirely of clippings from the newspapers for which the Franklins worked. Originally arranged in binders they include Betty Franklin’s articles, Robert Franklin’s photographs, and few supporting document such as brochures or correspondence. These clippings have been photocopied and are arranged chronologically.

Series II, Photographs, documents Robert Franklin’s photographic work, and includes negatives, contact sheets, and prints. Slides have been moved to the end of the series. Folder one contains images of Robert and Betty Franklin. The remaining folders include shots taken as a part of Robert's work as a photographer for local newspapers in the northern San Fernando Valley. Images are arranged chronologically.

Series III, Subject Files, deals with such topic as the Sunset Farms area development project, Lopez Adobe, the San Fernando Mission, and Pioneer Cemetery. The series is arranged alphabetically.