The Records of the Iowa Writers' Workshop consist of thirteen series.

Series 1. Student Coursework, consists of photocopies of students' works arranged by semester and class section within each semester. It is the largest series in the collection, dating from Fall 1965 to the present. Note that a few of the semesters are filed out of chronological sequence. Restricted Access.

Series 2. Award Competitions, consists of writing entries from individuals vying for scholarships and other awards. Restricted Access.

Series 3. Students and Alumni, consists of files containing correspondence, applications, and other material, arranged alphabetically by name of individual within each accrual. Note that accrual dates cover academic years, for example 1986-91 covers the 1986-87 to 1991-92 academic years. Restricted access.

Series 4. Faculty, is arranged alphabetically by name of individual. Restricted access

Series 5. Director's Files, consists of correspondence and other material created and received by the Office of the Director. Restricted access.

Series 6. Administrative Files. Restricted access.

Series 7. Accepted, Not Coming. Restricted access

Series 8. Rejected Applicants' Evaluation Sheets. Restricted access

Series 9. Applicants' Letters of Recommendation. Restricted access.

Series 10. Ephemera, includes posters and other printed matter, dating from 1982 to present.   Series 11. Stephen Wilbers Project, consists of correspondence and interview notes prepared by an alumnus of the Workshop who prepared a history of the program in 1980.   Series 12. Jean Wylder Project, consists of survey responses obtained from numerous alumni during the early 1970's as part of a history project. The responses are arranged by era of attendance/graduation.

Series 13. Newsletters, consists of newsletters released once or twice yearly since 1970 chronicling the publishing activity of Workshop alumni and students, as well as Workshop programs and events.