The Dorothy Carpenter papers date from 1979 to 1995 and measure 2.5 linear feet. The papers are arranged in two series: Correspondence and Legislation. A curriculum vita is filed in the first folder.

The Correspondence series (1985-1992) contains letters from constituents, as well as Carpenter's replies, on issues of taxation, abortion and other topics. The series also includes one file of correspondence between Carpenter and Iowa's delegates to the United States Congress.

The Legislation series (1979-1995) contains four categories abortion, education, ethics, and state employee pensions.