The Katherine Stroud papers date from 1940 to 2001 and measure 4 linear inches. The papers are arranged in nine series: Biographical, Chicago, Des Moines city manager plan, Publicity, Women's Freedom League, Health Planning Council of Central Iowa, American Patients Organization, Speeches, and Photographs.

The Biographical series (1996, 2001) consists of Stroud's obituary published in the Des Moines Register, June 21, 1996, and biographical information supplied by Theodore Stroud in 2001.

The Chicago series (1940, 1945-1946, and undated) contains materials about the Chicago Housing Authority where Katherine Stroud worked as the Assistant to the Director of Public Relations from 1945 to 1947. Also included is a University of Chicago newsletter from 1940 with a photograph of Katherine Stroud in a fashion show. Katherine Stroud pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago from 1938-1939.

The Des Moines city manager plan series (1949-1952) documents Katherine Stroud's involvement in the League of Women Voters' campaign to offer voters a choice between the existing form of city government, which was accused of graft and inefficiency, and the city manager form of government. Campaign (1949-1952) includes articles related to the election in April 1949 and the award Lane Bryant gave the League of Women Voters in 1950 in recognition of the League's involvement in the campaign. National Municipal Review (1949) contains an issue of National Municipal Review with an article written by Katherine Stroud about the campaign. City of Des Moines: Annual