The Center for Ethnic Studies contains a variety of pertinent reference works, bibliographies, and specialized studies, as well a pamphlets, journals, newspapers and dissertations published in the United States and abroad. General histories, church histories, parish registers, family histories, diaries and genealogies, obituaries, works on folklore, folk music and art make up the core of the collection. In addition, the collection contains numerous maps, photographs of bridal couples, individuals and groups. Several video documentaries and recordings of folk music and interviews are also available.
Lawrence Weigel, a noted local folklorist, donated a substantial portion of his personal collection of materials on the Volga Germans to the Center for Ethnic Studies Center. When combined with the variety of publications from the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, this collection provides a rich source for research.