The collection reflects Mr. Barland's career as a state legislator from 1960 to 1966. At his request the original organization and integrity of the papers has been retained. The papers are arranged in two sections: correspondence and subject files. The subject files also contain related correspondence.

The correspondence is divided into general and constituent correspondence according to Barland's original organization of his letters. The general correspondence covers a wide variety of topics and provides an insight into the actions and work of the legislature. Much of the general correspondence is with fellow legislators, state governmental officials, and various school administrators. The constituent correspondence includes requests, inquiries, and suggestions from residents of Barland's home district and reflects to a certain extent the needs and desires of that area. Correspondents of note include state Republican chairman Ody Fish, Governor Warren P. Knowles, Bronson La Follette, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, and Congressman Alvin O'Konski.

The subject files are essentially Barland's legislative working files. They include correspondence filed under the appropriate subject, drafts of bills, press releases, clippings, and research and reference materials. Many of the subject files reflect Barland's committee work on governmental reorganization and taxation. They also include campaign materials, speeches, publicity, financial records, clippings, and material relating to the Young Republican organization in Eau Claire County and the state Republican party. Letters of note include those of December 3, 1959, from John F. Kennedy in the Young Republican file, and November? 1960 from Richard M. Nixon in the campaign file for 1960.