Fogler Library: HRAF Guide

Information since 1868

Guide to using the Human Resources Area Files

Human Relations Area Files (HRAF)

This a collection of primary cultural anthropology resources covering nearly 400 cultures from different parts of the world. Fogler Library holds the originally-produced microfiche collection. The electronic format - eHRAF - has been in production since 1995; for now it covers only 165 cultures so far and is constantly being updated. An online guide to eHRAF is available at http://www.yale.edu/hraf/userguides.html

The collection is organized by culture and by subject. The Outline of World Cultures lists all the cultures covered by the electronic database. The Outline of Cultural Materials lists the various subjects covered by the electronic database.

Resources to identify microfiche(s) for your topic:

Outline of World Cultures (REF H62.B37 1983) to identify the culture code you want
Outline of Cultural Materials (REF H62 B36 v.5 2004) to identify subject code for your topic
Index to the Human Relations Area Files (REF H62.H8) to identify publications on microfiche about your cultural topic
HRAF Source Bibliography (REF H62.H8) for the full citations of identified microfiche publications

Using HRAF Microfiche Collection

Step 1. Identify your cultural unit, e.g. NJ5 for Micmac (Use Outline of World Cultures)

Step 2. Identify the code for the subject you want to research, e.g. 185 for cultural goals (Use Outline of Cultural Materials)

Step 3. Identify the resources available for your subject about your chosen cultural unit (Use Index to the Human Relations Area Files)
e.g. OCM Trait Number 185
NJO5 4. Speck ....115
This means that information concerning cultural goals (OCM code 185) among Micmac Indians (NJ5) is available on p.115 of a source by authored by Speck.

Step 4. Identify the full citation(s) of the available resources. (Use HRAF Source Bibliography Cumulative)
e.g.: Speck, Frank Gouldsmith. Beothuk and Micmac. Indian Notes and Monographs, 22 (1922): 80-187.

Step 5. Locate the appropriate microfiche in the Government Documents area.

Ask A Librarian...we're here to help you!

Joe Fernandez, 581-3611
Reference Desk, 581-1673

Revised: 02/11/2008