The collection consists of approximately 12 linear feet of shelf space. These records cover the years 1940 --1983 and are arranged chronologically within an alphabetical sequence; the periodic additions are arranged in the same manner.

The collection contains material on many subjects including university affairs, city government, urban renewal, and promotion of the state of Iowa. The papers also contain an extensive collection of speeches given by Mr. Hickerson throughout his career and correspondence files with letters from such notables as: Howard R. Bowen, Willard L. Boyd, Virgil M. Hancher, Jack Miller, and Fred Schwengel.