The Arlene Jens papers date from 1962 to 2006 and measure 12.25 linear inches. The papers are arranged in three series: Biographical Information, Reproductive Rights, and Nursing Home In-services and Education.

The Biographical Information series (2002-2006) includes autobiographical writings and one photograph of Jens.

The Reproductive Rights (1966-1992) series contains topical files concerning Jens' activism for women's and reproductive rights, including materials from both sides of the abortion debate. The items in the series include newspaper clippings, pamphlets, booklets, flyers, and form letters from the following groups: the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, the Iowa Association for Medical Control of Abortion, the Iowa Abortion Rights Action League, National Association for Repeal of Abortion Laws (later the National Abortion Rights Action League), the Association for the Study of Abortion, the Christian Action Foundation, the Patriotic Women's Club of Iowa, Iowans for L.I.F.E., Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the National Right to Life Committee and Right to Life of Scott County.

The Nursing Home In-service and Education series (1966-1985) includes materials related to Jens' career. The topical files are in Jens' original order, and include her notes, outlines, handouts and related publications for the in-service sessions she conducted in nursing homes across eastern Iowa. Most of her in-services addressed the care of the elderly, nursing home policies, laws, and professional issues for nurses and aides. The series concludes with materials from a course Jens took in the late 1970s on nursing home administration that started her career as an educator in the field.