The Library Bureau was started in 1976 by Melvil Dewey. The catalog is classed, though not by the Dewey Decimal system, and uses Dewey's simplified spelling.

This volume includes all megaplants and microplants added to the National Type Collection of Invertebrate and Plant Fossils from 1967-91. Volume II follows the primary type categories of Holotype, Paratype, Syntype, Lectotype, Neotype, and secondary Hypotype and Figured specimen. Specimens described up to 1969 were recorded within a separate plant catalogue series, after which plants and invertebrates were recorded within one catalogue. Within each category of plant remains, the biostratigraphical application of the plants is arranged alphabetically within the various geological periods wherever feasible.