The records of the Iowa Library Association measure 38.5 linear feet (77 boxes) and date from 1890 through 1996, with new materials being added every few years. Arranged chronologically within an alphabetical sequence, each new addition is organized as a group unto itself maintaining the basic chronological/alphabetical order. The records document the history and activities of the ILA with subject files, publications, photographs, and correspondence. Conferences, district meetings, various board and committee minutes, reports, financial statements, etc. all contribute to the overall organizational picture. Some of the better documented committees and activities are the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Centennial Library History Project, the Intellectual Freedom Committee, the Special Libraries Roundtables, and the Governmental Affairs Committee.

Correspondence and photographs are found throughout the collection. The 1996 Addendum contains ten boxes of photographs. The various correspondence files include letters from Paul H. Cunningham, H.R. Gross, Leo A. Hoegh, Bourke B. Hickenlooper, Ben F. Jensen, W. Earl Hall, Kenneth MacDonald, Thomas E. Martin, Fred Schwengel, and William W. Waymack. Copies of the publication the Catalyst are also included.

Notes on the 2009 Addendum: If you cannot locate materials alphabetically under group title check Miscellaneous Information folders. Over time group titles change or incorporate additional groups for example: Annual Reports often include Committee Reports and Triennial Reports, Government Documents Round Table includes the Government Documents Section, and District Meetings are also called Spring Meetings. Undated material is found at the front of each folder. Conference and event folders may contain prior correspondence leading up to the year of the event. Conference speaker folders are organized by grouping individual speaker information.