The Jean Berry papers date from 1989 to 1996 and measure 4 linear inches. The papers are divided into 6 series: Biographical Information, Professional Career, Publications, Correspondence, Fine Art Print, and Photographs. These papers document Berry's life as an artist whose focus is African-American culture in the United States.

The Biographical Information series contains narrative biographies about Jean Berry. Background material and listings of exhibitions, awards, and associations are included, as well as a video containing a segment about Berry from Videoscan's Show #1: "African American Artists in Iowa", (1993).

The Professional Career series (1989-1995) comprises the bulk of the collection. It chronicles the exhibitions of which Berry was a part. Flyers and pamphlets from the exhibitions and newspaper clippings are included.

The Publications series (1990-1996) contains publications to which Berry contributed and publications containing articles about her. A book, Mediated Messages and African-American Culture (1996), for which Jean Berry contributed cover art, was co-edited by her daughter, Venise T. Berry, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Iowa, and is shelved in the printed works collection.

The Correspondence series (1990-1996) contains professional correspondence concerning exhibitions. Correspondence with patrons is also included.

The Fine Art Print, "Mary Louise" was created by Berry in honor of Mary Louise Smith, former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, for the 100th anniversary of the YWCA of Greater Des Moines.

The Photographs series contains photographs of Berry's exhibits and photographic images of particular artworks by her.