The Lonesome Dove archive contains scripts, memos, letters, notes, production forms, set and costume sketches, set blueprints, photographs, props, costumes, videotapes, audiocassettes and a laser videodisc. The material details every aspect of the production--from the writing of the teleplay through the budgeting, casting, planning, scheduling, filming, publicity and distribution.

The bulk of this collection is comprised of the original typescript for McMurtry's essay, "Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen,” which includes handwritten corrections by the author.

The Sipper Collection is comprised of over 100 letters from Larry McMurtry to Ralph Sipper ranging from 1982-2018. Arranged chronologically, they document McMurtry’s practice of and thoughts on book selling and buying. Frequent topics include the sale of screenplays, his work in the film business, and mutual acquaintances in the literary world.