How have archives such as the Library of Congress preserved folk music recordings?

The Library of Congress preserves folk music primarily by maintaining extensive archives of field recordings, which have become vital resources for ethnomusicology and cultural research since the post-World War II era.1

Beyond general archival collections, the Library manages the National Recording Registry, which selects audio recordings—including folk music—deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant for long-term preservation. The process functions as follows:2

• Selection: The Librarian of Congress, in consultation with the National Recording Preservation Board, selects 25 recordings annually that are at least 10 years old.2
• Conservation: For titles not already preserved by copyright holders or other entities, the Library’s National Audio-Visual Conservation Center oversees preservation efforts.2
• Accessibility: While copyright restrictions often limit public online access, the Library provides free access to certain recordings through the National Jukebox, a digital platform that aggregates content from the Library and other archival partners.2