The Gladys Talcott Rife papers measure 12.25 linear inches and date from 1920 to 1995. The papers are arranged in six series: Biographical; Columns; Education; Dissertation Research; Professional Activities; and Photographs.

The Biographical series contains newspaper clippings, educational records, a resume of the various experiences and accomplishments of Gladys Talcott Rife, and her personal memoir.

The Columns consist of newspaper columns written by Rife for various farm magazines, the Lone Tree Reporter, and the Iowa City Press Citizen between 1948 and 1961. Most have been photocopied onto acid-free paper.

The Education series includes student records and papers Rife wrote while a graduate student at the University of Iowa.

The Dissertation Research series mainly consists of research files on newspaper columnists Rife studied for her dissertation. Folders about individual columnists may contain newspaper columns as well as correspondence with Rife.

The Professional Activities series contains information about her activities with The Depot Museum, and correspondence and newspaper clippings involving her teaching career. This series also contains a book review and newsletter that Rife wrote.

The Photographs are of Gladys Talcott Rife and her family.