Accession 1 of the Kathleen Halloran Chapman papers (boxes 1-9) contains material dating from 1977 to 1996 and measures 3.75 linear feet. Accession 2 (boxes 10-20) dates from 1986 to 1999 and measures 5 linear feet. Accession 1 is arranged in five series: Political campaigns, Iowa General Assembly, Local community involvement, Law practice, and Photographs.

The Political campaigns series (1977-1998) contains documents relating to Chapman's campaigns for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. Also included are facsimile messages and materials pertaining to Bonnie Campbell's 1994 campaign for governor of Iowa which if successful Chapman would have served on the transition committee. A large portion of the series contains campaign contribution finance records from 1992-998.

The Iowa General Assembly series (1978-1993) contains materials concerning Chapman's tenure as a state representative. The majority of the documents fall into two subseries: correspondence and legislation. The series also contains documents concerning Chapman's work on spending and tax reform in the General Assembly and on a Governor's Committee on Spending Reform.

The Local community involvement series (1983-1999) documents Chapman's involvement in local government reform, including her service on the Cedar Rapids Efficiency and Reform Committee; her work on a study of gender equity and sexual harassment in Iowa high schools; and her efforts for economic development through a proposed tourist railroad between Cedar Rapids and the Amanas. Also included are records from Chapman's service on the Board of Tanager Place and All Saints Parrish during her time away from the House of Representatives.

The Law practice series (1989-1998) documents Chapman's concern with issues of family and juvenile law as a member of committees for the Iowa and Linn County bar associations including the local Inn of Court group.

The Photographs series (1984-1998 and undated) contains proof sheets and photographs used in campaign pamphlets, photographs of bill signings with Governor Terry Branstad and snapshots of a 1992 presidential campaign stop in Cedar Rapids by candidates Bill Clinton and Al Gore. Also included are photos of Kay Chapman with Al Gore and Hilary Rodham Clinton during Chapman's last years serving in the House.

The Accession 2 is arranged in four series: Campaigns, Iowa General Assembly, Community and Law.