The Patricia Harper papers date from 1986 to 2003 and measure 10 linear inches. The papers are arranged in four series: Biographical, Campaigns, Legislative, and Photographs.

The Biographical series (1988-2002) contains a 1988 legislative profile on Harper, an oral history interview conducted by Suzanne Schenken in 1992, and correspondence related to her retirement from the Iowa State Senate in 2002.

The Campaigns series (1986-1998) holds material from all of Harper's campaigns, including her one unsuccessful run for Representative in 1990. Campaign fliers, fundraising material, correspondence, and newspaper articles are included.

The Legislative series (1988-2002) contains information regarding all the bills Harper sponsored while in office and newspaper clippings relating to her service with the Iowa State Legislature. Also included is correspondence concerning Duane Brant, a prisoner in Harper's district seeking to have his life sentence reduced.

The Photographs series (1987-2002) contains photos of Harper throughout her campaigns and work as State Representative and Senator. Included are photos of Harper with Dick Gephardt, Al Gore, Terry Branstad and other Iowa state legislators.