The collection is divided into six categories: Charlotta Bass; General; Individuals; Labor; Social Causes; and Society. Most of the photographs were taken for the California Eagle. The collection dates from the late 1800s to the late 1950s. The later photographs were used under Loren Miller. Many of the earlier photographs are of Charlotta Bass and in that series. Other earlier photographs can be found in the Society category under Portraits.

The California Eagle, the oldest African American newspaper in Los Angeles traces its origins to 1879, when John J. Neimore, a Texan, started the paper. It was first known as The Owl, later to become the Eagle, and when Charlotta Spears Bass took over, the California Eagle.

Copyright has not been assigned to the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research. Researchers may make single copies of any portion of the collection, but publication from the collection will be allowed only with the express written permission of the Library's director. It is not necessary to obtain written permission to quote from a collection. When the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research gives permission for publication, it is as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

The collection is available for research only at the Library's facility in Los Angeles.  The Library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Researchers are encouraged to call or email the Library indicating the nature of their research query prior to making a visit.