The papers of Janis Torrence-Laughlin date from 1976 to 1990 and measure 7 linear inches, with the bulk of the materials dating before 1986. The papers are arranged in five series: Correspondence, Memorabilia, Newspaper clippings, Photographs, and Scrapbook. The papers are especially useful for researching women's role in local politics.

The Correspondence series(1980-1985) contains letters and cards from legislators, friends, campaignworkers and constituents regarding Torrence-Laughlin's political life, her health and her resignation from the legislature. There is little substantive correspondence regarding her political career.

The Memorabilia series(1976-1985) contains election papers, legislative materials, politicalinvitations and campaign materials.

The Newspaper clippings series (1977-1990) consists of campaign ads, news articles and columns about Torrence-Laughlin or about issues and people in which she had an interest. Of particular interest are the Legislator Update columns she wrote for the local newspapers in her district. These presented her positions on specificissues and views about the political process in the legislature.

Photographs (1976-1985)contain campaign and political photographs, mostly undated.

The Scrapbook series (1976-1982)covers Torrence's Muscatine County Supervisor career.