Archives and Libraries Section
The Archives and Libraries Section of the American Folklore Society was first established as the Archiving Section at the annual meeting of the Society in 1978 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In response to an interest in a focus on folklore in libraries as well as in archives, it became the Archives and Libraries Section in 1997.
The Section's mission is to promote the exchange of information on all types of archival methodology relating to folklore, folklife, and other ethnographic collections. In addition, the Section aims to share information and to help develop standards relevant to library collections and activities in folklore. The Section has maintained a particular interest in the developing technological systems that can advance the work of archivists and librarians working with folklore materials, and improve collections management in the field.
The Section has an internet group for discussions of archival and library issues relating to folklore. Subscription to the list is available to both Section members and non-members.
The Section awards two prizes on an every-other-year basis: the Brenda McCallum Prize for a work that contributes to the goal of improving archival care and access to folklore collections, and the Grimshaw Prize for the support of folklore or ethnomusicology projects with a significant connection to libraries and/or archives.
The convener for the Section is Randy Williams of Utah State University. Dues are $5.
To join this American Folklore Society interest-group section, please visit the AFS membership page of this web site, where you will find both a secure online and a printable, mailable membership form. You need not be a member of the American Folklore Society to join its sections.