In his career as an archivist, professor, and researcher and write of scholarly history, Dr. Thomas' papers encompass a wide range of topics related to the historical development of Western Canada. The source material and research files in this fonds include a wealth of archival documents, bibliographies, imprint items, and research notes on subjects related to the exploration, settlement, and growth of western Canada, particularly the Prairie region. The records have been arranged in four series: Early Records; University of Alberta Records; Research and Publication Records; and Associations, Committees and Boards records. Within these broad series designations are sub-series that further organize the records. Dr. Thomas was for years the Alberta representative on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, and his board-related records form a major part of the fourth series. The records are in excellent physical condition, and where possible, the file titles provided by L.H. Thoms are retained.