This series consists of briefings prepared for A.W. Clausen upon his inauguration as the World Bank's President in July 1981 and Clausen's copy of briefings on Bank operations prepared in 1986 for the Presidential transition from Clausen to Barber Conable. The files provide a broad overview of the Bank's structure and functions, as well as the status of World Bank's projects throughout the world.

The 1981 briefings on the Bank itself describe the origins, purpose, objectives, and current status of the various Bank entities, including the Financial complex, Operations, Development Policy Staff, World Bank Group Staff Association, Secretary's Department, Legal Department, Central Projects Staff, External Relations, Compensation, and the Administration, Organization and Personnel Complex. Also included are briefings on the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and on Bank/Fund collaboration.

Regional briefings summarize the history and current status of development projects throughout the world. They are arranged by region, and then by country, and typically summarize the political background, economic structure, development policy, future prospects, and the Bank's role in development. Included are briefings on Europe; Eastern Africa Region; Western Africa Region; Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMENA); East Asia and Pacific Region; South Asia Region; and Latin America and Caribbean Region.

The briefing on Operations prepared in 1986 for in-coming President Barber B. Conable provides an overview of the Operations Policy Staff and the Energy and Industry Staff. It also gives the history and status of Bank operations in EMENA, East Asia and Pacific, South Asia, West Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa.

The series includes background material dating back to 1970.