Fonds predominately reflects Ainley's research as a professor at the University of Northern British Columbia. Her research is arranged into thirteen subseries. Research material includes: photocopies of publications and archival material, correspondence, bibliographies, research interviews, transcripts, draft manuscripts, photographs, and other records. A series of personal records includes: retirement activities, her hobbies of art and writing, diplomas, and photographs. The series on her administrative and supervisory activities of professorship of women’s studies and environmental studies is arranged according to the major activities with which Ainley was involved and includes: meeting minutes, memoranda, reports, correspondence, employment, and other records. A series of electronic records relating, predominately, to Ainley’s research includes: draft manuscripts, conference proceedings, bibliographies, transcripts, correspondence, curricula vitae and other records. A series of professional development records includes records from conferences she attended and occasionally presented at as well as other professional development activities that she undertook. A series of correspondence predominantly consists of personal correspondence but also includes professional correspondence related to her research and occupation.