The Betty Jean Clark papers date from 1935 to 1994 and measure 12.8 linear inches. The papers are arranged in four series: Biographical Information, Writing, Presentations and Legislature. The collection documents a woman's role in the legislature and the importance of the church in Clark's life.

The Biographical information (1989?-1994) series contains essays written about Clark, one of which includes a concise, detailed list of her family, education, activities, awards and employment history. She is also highlighted in a compilation of "non-traditional careers" entitled Dare to Be Different. In addition there are newspaper articles about Clark's retirement from the Iowa House of Representatives in 1990 and her paralyzing car accident that year. Finally, there are newspaper articles about Clark's political activities since her retirement.

The Writing (1935-1991) series consists of publications, essays and church newsletters written and edited by Clark, most of which is from 1935 to 1976, before her legislative career. In this series is a copy of the book Nearer to Thee and a number of essays written for school and church, emphasizing religion, education and the "Status of Women." In addition there are two of Clark's bound journals with handwritten drafts of her news columns from 1947 to 1961.

The Presentations (1948-1993) series is divided into two categories, Radio and Speeches. The Radio subseries includes scripts from broadcasts which discussed a range of topics from politics and democracy to love. The Speeches included were given both publicly, such as at a Lions Club meeting or high school graduation, and in the House of Representatives concerning debates on bills such as the lottery and abortion. On a lighter note, poems and cartoons which were passed around the office are also included. Much of this section includes handwritten accounts by Clark. Audiocassettes are also included from a Governor's Day program, a speech given to a high school class, and radio programs.

The Iowa Legislature series (1976-1994) consists of a number of subseries, mostly involving newspapers (with campaign ads and other articles), but also includes awards and recognition, inmate correspondence, and details from her retirement. Articles on the "natural death" bill (1978, similar to the 1983 "right to die" bill), a state-run lottery, the Door Opener Program for women, and self-generated press which detail the weekly issues in the house, are some of the items found here. In addition, articles and letters about the Teen-Tern program along with photographs of some of the participants are included.