The Robert T. Oliver papers, 1911-1993, consist primarily of correspondence, both personal and professional, created and collected by Oliver during his career as a professor, political advisor, author, and specialist in Asian rhetoric and communication. The majority of the correspondence is made up of items to and from government agencies, organizations, and high-ranking officials during Oliver’s appointment as advisor to South Korean President Syngman Rhee, as well as letters between Oliver, Rhee, and Rhee's family.

Additionally, there is a large amount of correspondence with colleagues at different universities and colleges, as well as publishing companies and newspapers regarding Oliver's writings. Oliver shared the ongoing developments in his professional life, as well as his personal opinions on current political climate between Korea and the United States, with his family members through chain letters that were passed around amongst them. Many of these can be found within Oliver's papers.

The remainder of the collection comprises various publications featuring Oliver’s articles and essays (as well as one book), newspapers clippings, and a few scrapbooks and photographs.