The resources include older volumes of indices such as Biography Index and Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, bound periodicals, financial reports for the city of Joplin and the state of Missouri, and Environmental Protection Agency reports. Joplin Public Library provides patron access to several electronic databases. Local and national newspapers are provided to library patrons for use in the library. Newspapers from Joplin, surrounding towns, major cities, and the nation are displayed and stored in the Reference Department. Materials are collected on a variety of subjects and filed in the vertical files for patron use.
Most materials are available for copying or check out.