Folklore Archivist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of cultural preservation, the role of folklore archivists has become increasingly crucial.

As time moves on, the urgency to preserve, categorize, and pass on tales of yore from diverse cultures around the globe intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a folklore archivist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring archivist seeking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of folklore archiving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable folklore archivist job description template, prepared for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Folklore Archivist Duties and Responsibilities

Folklore Archivists are responsible for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of folklore materials such as stories, music, rituals, and artifacts.

They play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and making it accessible for research and educational purposes.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Collecting folklore material in various formats including audio, video, print, and digital media
• Organizing and categorizing the collected folklore materials effectively for easier retrieval
• Preserving folklore materials by implementing various archival techniques to ensure their long-term survival
• Digitizing physical materials to ensure their preservation and accessibility
• Curating exhibitions and presentations to share the collected materials with the public
• Conducting research on the collected materials to produce scholarly articles and reports
• Working with indigenous communities and other stakeholders to ensure respectful and ethical handling of cultural materials
• Assisting researchers, students, and the public in accessing and interpreting the archived materials
• Securing funding and grants for the archive through proposal writing and fundraising activities
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the acquisition, processing, and preservation of folklore materials

 

Folklore Archivist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Folklore Archivist to collect, preserve, and manage folklore materials and documents.

The responsibilities of the Folklore Archivist include collecting, analyzing, and organizing folklore materials, working closely with communities and individuals to learn about their folklore, and organizing exhibitions to showcase folklore materials.

Our ideal candidate has a deep passion for preserving cultural heritage and has experience in archiving or related fields.

A background in folklore, history, anthropology, or a related field is a plus.

 

Responsibilities

• Collect, classify and catalogue folklore materials including documents, audio and video recordings, and photographs.
• Conduct research to identify and verify the origins and significance of folklore materials.
• Organize and maintain the archive, ensuring that materials are preserved and accessible.
• Work closely with communities and individuals, often conducting interviews to learn about their folklore.
• Plan and organize exhibitions and presentations to showcase folklore materials.
• Facilitate access to the archive for researchers and the public.
• Ensure materials are stored in conditions that ensure their preservation.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an archivist, librarian or similar role.
• Knowledge of and interest in folklore, history or anthropology.
• Excellent organizational and cataloguing skills.
• Experience with archival software and databases.
• Ability to conduct interviews and research.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in folklore, history, anthropology, library science or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Folklore Archivist
• Work Environment: Archives, libraries, and communities. Some travel may be required to collect folklore materials and conduct interviews.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Archives or Library Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Folklore Archivist Do?

A Folklore Archivist is a professional who specializes in the collection, preservation, and study of folklore and cultural heritage materials.

They work for libraries, museums, universities, or other organizations dedicated to preserving cultural history.

The primary responsibility of a Folklore Archivist is to acquire, catalog, and manage collections of folklore materials.

These materials can include a wide range of items such as books, manuscripts, audio and video recordings, photographs, and artifacts.

They also work closely with researchers, providing them with access to the archives and helping them find specific pieces of information.

They may also collaborate with anthropologists, historians, and other scholars to analyze and interpret the materials in their collections.

Folklore Archivists may also be involved in digitizing materials to ensure their long-term preservation and make them more accessible to the public.

This can involve scanning documents, converting analog recordings to digital formats, and creating databases to catalog and index the materials.

Additionally, they conduct public outreach activities to promote the understanding and appreciation of folklore.

This can include organizing exhibitions, giving talks, and writing articles or blog posts.

In summary, the role of a Folklore Archivist is vital in the preservation of cultural heritage and the dissemination of knowledge about folklore.

 

Folklore Archivist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Folklore Archivist should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications that align with the duties and responsibilities of the job, including:

• Strong research skills to gather and interpret information from various sources, including oral histories, artifacts, documents, and other folklore materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting folklore, presenting findings, and interacting with communities or individuals from whom folklore is collected.
• An understanding of and respect for cultural diversity and sensitivity, as the work involves dealing with materials from various cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency in the use of archiving and database management software to organize, categorize, and retrieve materials efficiently.
• Attention to detail and organization skills to meticulously handle, preserve, and archive historical materials and documents.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with sources and communities, making them feel comfortable when sharing their folklore and traditions.
• Knowledge of preservation and conservation techniques to ensure the longevity of archived material.
• An understanding of ethics related to folklore collection and archiving, respecting individual and community ownership of folklore materials.
• An academic background in Folklore Studies, Anthropology, Cultural Studies or a related field is typically required.

 

Folklore Archivist Experience Requirements

Individuals interested in a Folklore Archivist role would typically need a bachelor’s degree in Folklore, Anthropology, History, or a related field to begin with, providing them with the fundamental knowledge about the discipline.

Relevant experience in archival work, often gained through internships or part-time roles at libraries, museums, universities, or other cultural institutions, is essential.

This gives an understanding of the principles and practices of archiving, cataloging, preservation, and collection management.

For more advanced positions, a Master’s degree in Library Science, Folklore, or a related field would be preferable.

Such degrees often include practical training in archival methods and digital archiving, providing the necessary skills to manage and conserve folklore artifacts or documents.

Moreover, candidates with more than 3 years of professional experience might have specialized their skills in a specific area of folklore, such as oral traditions, material culture, or folk arts, and have handled the organization and digitization of related archival materials.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field likely have experience in supervisory roles, managing other staff or volunteers, and could be ready for a leadership position.

They might also have experience in securing funding for archiving projects or in outreach activities to promote folklore studies and preservation.

In addition, working with different kinds of digital databases, as well as knowledge of copyright laws, are also essential experiences for a Folklore Archivist.

 

Folklore Archivist Education and Training Requirements

Folklore Archivists typically need a master’s degree in folklore, anthropology, history, or a related field.

They must also have a strong background in archival science and information management, often obtained through a postgraduate degree in archival studies.

In addition to this, familiarity with cultural studies, oral history recording techniques, digital archiving, and preservation is crucial for this role.

For those seeking higher positions or specializing in a particular type of folklore, a Ph.D. or an additional certification in that area may be beneficial.

Knowledge of multiple languages may also be required, depending on the geographical and cultural focus of the work.

Additionally, experience with using archival databases, digitization of materials, and cataloging is often required.

While not obligatory, many Folklore Archivists also undertake additional training in areas such as anthropology, ethnography, and cultural heritage management to enhance their skills and knowledge base.

Maintaining a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in archiving technology and folklore studies are also essential for this role.

 

Folklore Archivist Salary Expectations

A Folklore Archivist can expect to earn an average salary of $52,500 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can vary based on factors such as the level of education, years of experience in the field, location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Folklore Archivist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Folklore Archivist need?

A Folklore Archivist needs a keen eye for detail and excellent organizational skills to categorize and store historical documents efficiently.

They should have good research skills to investigate and validate the authenticity and relevance of the folklore documents.

In addition, communication skills are crucial for presenting findings and collaborating with other professionals.

A basic understanding of digital archiving systems and software could also be beneficial.

 

Do Folklore Archivists need a degree?

Most Folklore Archivists have a degree in history, anthropology, folklore studies, or a related field.

A master’s degree in library science or archival studies could be beneficial, especially for those aspiring to work in academic or institutional settings.

Practical experience in archival work, historical research, or documentation may also be highly valuable.

 

What should you look for in a Folklore Archivist’s resume?

Look for a strong academic background in history, folklore studies, or a related field, along with practical experience in research or archival work.

Also, look for skills such as proficiency in digital archiving systems, attention to detail, research ability, and strong organizational skills.

Experience or interest in the specific type of folklore relevant to your collection could also be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Folklore Archivist?

A good Folklore Archivist is passionate about history and folklore, with a keen interest in preserving cultural heritage.

They have excellent attention to detail, enabling them to handle delicate documents carefully and categorize them accurately.

They also need to be patient and persistent, as research and validation of folklore documents can be time-consuming.

Good communication skills are vital for sharing their findings with the public or other professionals.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Folklore Archivist?

The difficulty in hiring a Folklore Archivist often depends on the specific requirements of the role and the availability of qualified candidates.

If the role requires specialized knowledge in a particular type of folklore or cultural heritage, it may be challenging to find candidates with the right expertise.

Offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development can help attract highly qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of being a folklore archivist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about analyzing old stories.

It’s about preserving cultural history, one tale at a time.

With our go-to folklore archivist job description template and real-world examples, you’re well equipped to embark on this unique career path.

But why not delve further?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of folklore is a part of our collective heritage.

Let’s preserve that history. Together.

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