The Broussard Papers consists of approximately 100 feet of documents arranged in 229 boxes. The bulk of the material has been reproduced on 143 reels of 35 mm microfilm.

Approximately 43 percent of the documents are from Robert F. Broussard, and 57 percent from Edwin S. Broussard.

In arranging the collection, an attempt was made to reconstruct the original order, or more properly, orders. Each brother had a different filing style, and each secretary had his own system as well. In general, Robert preferred a chronological arrangement while Edwin was more subject oriented. Robert was less concerned with detail and was less meticulous than his brother, and as his health declined after 1916 his files became even more disorganized. Correspondence from one individual on one topic could end up divided between a subject file and a chronological file.

In addition, Robert began a new file with each new congressional term, sometimes with each month in office. (This was also a reflection of his secretaries' longevity.)

Edwin had the same secretary and kept continuous files for his two term stretch. As a consequence, Robert's files are separated into small chronological portions, while Edwin's files generally ran uninterrupted for 12 years.

Robert's files were in regular chronological order, while Edwin's were in reverse chronological order.

The original filing logic was maintained in the arrangement, although some consolidation was managed. It is strongly urged that researchers look often in more than one place for relevant material.

General correspondence files are arranged alphabetically by correspondent or by the first correspondence if there are more than one. If the signature on organizational stationery is illegible, the letter is filed under the organization's name. If there is no organization, illegible signatures are filed with miscellaneous items. Illegible signatures from Department of Agriculture and its subdivisions are filed under "A" for Agriculture, not "D" for Department and not "B" for Bureau of Animal Industry.

As a rule, "miscellaneous" folders at the end of a subsection contain illegible or first name only signatures, newspaper clippings, and printed materials.

"Mc" correspondents are filed separately and before "M" correspondents.

Because Edwin had access to Robert's congressional files, some RFB documents surface in ESB files, especially in those subjects which occupied both brothers, such as Intracoastal Canal and Mississippi River flood protection. Edwin also used lists from RFB's 1911 1912 senatorial campaign in his own 1920 campaign. It is again urged that researchers look often in more than one place for relevant material.

Out of order materials are located at the end of the appropriate series.

Oversize materials are located in the map case in folders 25-2 to 25-6 and folders 26-1 to 26-2.