He received his doctorate from the New School for Social Research in 1956. He served as chair of the Mass Communications Deptartment from 1970-1978, and director of the University's Center for Mass Communications Research and Policy. His scholarly interests were mass communications, especially the effects of television on society, public opinion, public health and safety, and the sociology of politics. He published over 50 articles and authored four books. The collection consists primarily of reports, speeches and publications authored by Mendelsohn. Also included are materials from conferences Mendelsohn attended and notes from his research, publications and presentations. The papers also include correspondence, typescripts, journal articles, newspaper clippings, programs, and press releases.

He also introduced an advice column, the Molly Mayfield column, written by his wife Frances. His papers include correspondence with Dwight D. Eishenhower, Roy W. and Jack Howard of Scripps-Howard News Service, and Richard Nixon, as well as typewritten copies of speeches presented to civic, educational and business organizations.

he station was operated by a Radio Board and was staffed by students in order to offer hands-on experience in radio production. KCFR published two monthly publications, Wasteland and Selections. In 1973, KCFR became a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. In 1984, KCFR separated from the University of Denver and the station license was transferred to a community board of directors; the station became part of Colorado Public Radio. Spanning the years of 1964 to 1981, the records of the KCFR radio station, a University of Denver established station, relate to its business operations. Containing financial documents and news releases, they reflect the history and growth of the station from a tiny, ten watt production to an independent National Public Radio affiliate which is still in operation today.