Dictionary - she knows the language so I don't think so.
Encyclopedia - that's the first thing she should take a look at
Card catalog - probably yes if she wants to know what's stored at local libraries
Music index - it might come in handy when writing about Iowa's culture, but I don't think it's necessary for her
Librarian gazetteer - it could help her to find out some info about most crucial regions
Telephone - if she's not sure of something she found out in other sources, she might want to use a phone and ask for further assistance herself
Directory - it shouldn't be necessary - all important info shoul be found in other sources
Vertical file - sure, it's always a rich source of various info
Thesaurus - I don't think she would need that for anything
I hope that's more less what you asked for :)
