The Sherman J. Jones papers consist almost exclusively of material pertinent to Jones’ political career, from 1988-2000, in which he was an advocate for social issues representing minorities’ rights, public health, and social welfare. The collection is divided into six series: Personal Papers, Campaigns and Elections, Kansas State Legislature, Caucuses and Legislative Associations, Subjects, and Kansas State Departments.

Kansas State Legisture is the largest series, comprised of subseries Administrative Documents, Correspondence (including printed emails, faxes, phone messages, and drafts, as well as postal letters, by Jones and his constituents and colleagues), Legislative Newsletters, and subseries related to respective legislative committees from 1989-2000. The material comprising each series and subseries is arranged first alphabetically by subject, organization, or format, then chronologically within. Where the format of material is not specifically described on the inventory list, the folder contents include a mix of correspondence, meeting agenda, minutes, testimony and supporting material regarding political issues or legislation.

Oversize materials, consisting of maps, posters, and newspaper clippings, have been physically separated from the rest of the collection and are available at call numbers RH MS Q92 and RH MS R74.