This collection includes notes, sketches, diaries, published articles, slides, photographs, video and audiocassettes, and other material. These works provide researchers with a comprehensive body of material to examine the people as well as the economic and social environment of Nigeria, specifically the states of Osun, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and others. Material is also collected for areas outside of this region including the Philippines, California, and Southeastern Wisconsin. Also collected are general works and research notes on the populations on broader scale.
The first series, Research and Field Notes, includes notes, interviews, sketches, diaries, and other research material. They focus on Trager's day to day experiences while living, researching, and traveling across California, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Southeastern Wisconsin. The documents are both in her handwriting as well as typed, and they are her notes from her undergraduate, masters, doctoral, and professional research projects.
The second series, Academic Publications, includes academic journal articles, school papers, theses, and a dissertation. Many of these articles contain multiple versions showing revisions throughout time and their use in different venues. They focus on the research throughout her academic and professional career. Topics include, but are not limited to: California migrant workers, migration to the Philippines, family dynamics in the Philippines, economic activity throughout Africa, and hometown linkages in Nigeria.
The third series, Other Material, includes book reviews, lectures, two opinion letters to newspapers, grant proposals, recognitions of her contributions to publications, correspondence, and event information. The research covered by these works involve Nigeria, California, and Southeastern Wisconsin. They show Trager's connections with other university professors as well as her involvement in the community that she lived in.
The fourth series, Photographic Material, consists of photographs, negatives, and slides. These materials follow similar patterns to the research and field notes. They primarily focus on illustrating Trager's professional research in Nigeria; however, there is some photographic material that align with her research in the Philippines. There are also photographs regarding the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and UW-Parkside exchange along with research Trager did at this university during her trips to the city of Ife in Osun, Nigeria. From 1962 until 1987, OAU was known as the University of Ife. On May 12, 1987, the university's name changed to Obafemi Awolowo University. Photographs, negatives, and slides prior to 1987 depicting this university are labeled as the University of Ife.
The fifth series, Audio/Visual Material, includes videocassettes and audiocassettes. The videocassettes document Nigerian community celebrations, a coronation, interviews, workshops, and other subjects. These materials have the primary focus of Trager's extensive professional research in Nigeria with Yoruba connections to their hometowns. The audiocassettes include interviews, discussions, meetings, celebrations, and other sound. The Philippines research audiocassettes focus on the traditions and economic activity of the people. The Nigeria research audiocassettes are from her professional research and follow along with her research and field notes. They document interviews and complement the printed material in the collection.
