The focus of the World Affairs Council Records Collection is unique in that it brings the international community to the local people of Western Michigan. Though the majority of the documents deal with politics, economics, and policies from the entire world, they do so by bringing these issues to the locals. This collection is important to the scope of the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Center because it involves the local community in issues of international concern and provides documentation on how the area has reacted to these issues.

The World Affairs Council Records Collection is strong in specific information on lectures and programs. There are many people of international importance who have spoken in Grand Rapids and the folders on these issues have a wide variety of documentation, from correspondences and fliers to biographies and photographs. The earliest records (1949-1960s) lack this type of specific data, as we only have general organizational documents from this time period. Program subject files make up the bulk of the collection, specifically those that address the different programs the WAC hosted. The photographs, though plentiful, are limited in subject matter. They are mostly restricted to formal stills used in publicity, and there are very few which offer a look at local people interacting with the guests. In addition, the bulk of the guest speakers come from Washington D.C. and Europe. This Western focus does limit the information geographically; however, there are resources from Russia, South Africa, and Japan, to name a few, that show a grander picture of the world.