The University of Pennsylvania Folklore Archives: A Progress Report

The organization of folklore archives has become increasingly complex due to developments both in archiving methods and folklore studies. Particularly in recent years, with the emergence of information storage and retrieval as an independent field, the establishment of a modern, well-equipped folklore archive requires knowledge which can be acquired only through extensive specialized training and familiarity with technical, often commercial literature. While in the 'olden days' all one needed for a folklore archive was folders and file cabinets, today these office furnishings, still the main inventory of most archives, barely answer existing research needs. In addition, they often limit any further development of projects, and by extension, of folklore studies in general. However, this equipment for the storage and retrieval of information, which potentially could open up the research possibilities of archives is financially prohibitive, and only national or commercial institutions can afford it. Moreover, its installation and operation requires specialized knowledge that few folklorists possess.