Sterling Alam had a wide variety of interests, which are revealed in this collection of papers. Each part of the collection consists of a different area of interest in his life, supplemented with academic papers written by himself and by others, magazines, and newspaper articles that he used for reference. Of particular interest is his early interest in religion; the collection includes information from the various parishes over which he presided, including a sermon book with some information about the parishioners.

The various universities from which he received degrees and at which he later taught are represented, including transcripts and applications for different universities and funding opportunities. Papers regarding Alam's interest in sociology are extensive, especially those about the future of the family, including his class notes and lecture materials.

Communes were a serious interest of Alam's, and he collected extensively papers written by himself and others, magazines, and newsletters on his favorite commune, Twin Oaks.

Later in life, Alam became interested in gerontology, and collected information from conferences he attended, as well as research notes on various aspects of gerontology. He worked at the University of Illinois in the specialized Cooperative Extension Service, which specialized in informing people about the process of growing older. Sterling Alam lectured there and wrote papers; correspondences and lecture notes may be found in this part of the collection. The United Ostomy Association includes information on Alam's work at the Association, and messages from the United Ostomy Association.

Alam corresponded with several politicians including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bill Clinton, Jim McGovern, Barack Obama, and Scott Brown about his political concerns. Sterling Alam devoted much of his life working toward equal healthcare and to educate people about social security, so there are extensive academic papers, and reports from various boards on which he sat. Alam was very involved in the Civil Rights movement, particularly through the church, and recently he has been a member of both the Attleboro Council on Human Rights and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee.

Miscellaneous materials include his sociological studies, and his interest in music, such as the Russian choir.