The A. Louise Mays papers date from 1939 to 1997 and measure 2.5 linear inches. The papers are arranged in eight folders, with the last seven representing the seven chapters of Mays's personal scrapbook, "The Road Not Taken." The folders and their contents have been kept in the original order as presented to the Iowa Women's Archives. Most of the contents of the folders are copies provided by Mays, and not originals.

Life experiences (1914-1998) contains a chronological listing of Mays's education, employment, professional associations, community activities and volunteer activities.

"The Road Not Taken" is divided into seven folders, with the original titles given by Mays. Of particular interest are:

Tuskegee, Medical TechnologyTraining, University of Chicago (1936-1956) This folder includes photographs of Mays.

Des Moines Child Guidance Center (1959-1966) covers the years Mays was employed at the Des Moines Child Guidance Center in Des Moines,Iowa, and includes her engagement announcement from July 1960.

The University of Iowa School of Social Work -- Des Moines Center (1972-1979) includes papers from the time Mays served on the Des Moines Human Rights Commission, along with photographsof Mays with Governors Ray (March 1977) and Branstad (June 1989).

Retirement, Stroke, Retirement Activities (1982-1997) contains "Louise's Copybook on Retirement, Old Age and Stroke," a collection of comic strips, articles and personal reflections. This folder also contains an article describing the 1992 documentary "At Arms Length," in which Mays was interviewed. (This video is availablefor viewing in the Iowa Women's Archives.) Also among the papers in this folder are two photographs of Mays with President Bill Clinton.

Letters (1968-1998) is a collection of personal letters Mays wrote to her sisters and friends over a thirty-year span, along with several letters Mays wrote to the editor of the Des Moines Register or to specific Register columnists in response to articles she had read.

Musings(1977-1997) Thisfolder contains diary-like musings that Mays wrote down sporadically over twenty years.