The C. Pauline Spencer papers date from 1920 to 1985 and measure 2.5 linear inches. The papers are divided into three series: Career, Family, and Photographs.

The Career series (1920-1985) includes materials from her days as a student at the University of Iowa and her careeras a physical education teacher. Newspaper clippings, memorabilia from sporting and social events, and a handwritten anatomy manual document her achievements as an athlete, a student, and an educator.

The Family series consists of three items pertaining to her sister Helen Spencer who graduated from the Universityof Iowa one year later: a commencement program, a letter of recommendation, and a photograph.

The Photographs series includes a portrait of Pauline Spencer as an undergraduate student and one taken later in her career, as well as photographs of classrooms and the university.