Users of the Lawrence papers should be aware that parts of the collection were separated from the main body of papers, after the collection was received by the Grand Rapids Public Library in 1926. The separated papers were cataloged under various subject headings in the card catalog and shelved in several different locations.

Between 1983 and 1988, some of the dispersed papers were discovered and refiled with the Lawrence collection. Circa 2000, some books with his bookplate were moved to the collection, while others remain undiscovered in the book holdings of the local history collection.

In February 2002 some photos found in Collection 54, Box 12 Folder 11 (Grand River Views - Log Jam 1883) were discovered to have the note “Lawrence Coll.” on the verso. These have been left in Collection 54, with a photocopy representation of the images placed in the Lawrence Collection. There may be other photos given by Lawrence in Collection 054 in addition to the items located to date.

Book items which he donated to the Grand Rapids Public Library, known to be part of the Local History Book Collection, are marked with a bookplate in his name at the front of the book. Some examples of these books are being added to this archival collection, when the items physical condition requires more protective housing. Other materials with a Lawrence bookplate or marked as given by Lawrence may be found in other archival collections, with some cross-referenced here when found.