This collection contains Govan's various administrative library documents, correspondence, historical writings, reviews, extensive research notes, and published materials. The library documents contain budget, circulation, and inventory data related to the University of Chattanooga's library during Govan's tenure as its director. Extensive notecards and other materials demonstrate Govan's meticulous research methods. Of interest is correspondence from around the United States congratulating Govan on several of his publications and activities, including letters from Mississippi Governor James P. Coleman and United States Senator Estes Kefauver. The collection's contents were created from 1933 to 1977.