Fonds consists of records documenting Robert Lightbody's experiences with Trent University, as a student, lawyer, fundraiser, and active alumnus. Records include correspondence, meeting minutes, photographs, newspaper clippings, planning records, student records, pamphlets and other ephemera, course syllabi, and student governance records. Fonds also includes a speech and pamphlets from a talk given by Margaret Lightbody for the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW).

Fonds is organized into 11 series. Trent University student life; Student government and groups; Course materials; University development; Athletics building; Alumni Association and reunions; Trent properties, funds, and development; Bagnani Endowmnent; Photographs and alumni reunion; Newspaper clippings and images; Margie Lightbody CFUW speech.