The Ames NOW records date from 1973 to 1986 and measure 7 linear inches. The records are arranged in three series: Administrative, Political activities, and NOW chapters. These records focus on the campaign for the ERA which culminated in defeat at the polls on November 4, 1980.

The Administrative series (1973-1986) contains chapter by-laws, chapter evaluation, minutes, membership and treasury records.

The Political activities series (1976-1986) contains chapter newsletters (through several title changes), materials from the ERA campaign, and educational projects. Projects included public meetings dealing with assertiveness training, equal employment opportunities, consciousness raising, women's health and reproductive rights, rape crisis and prevention, day care, pornography and censorship.

NOW chapters series (1977-1986) include records from Johnson County-Iowa City, Des Moines, and state of Iowa.