Wednesday, October 9, 2013 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sterling Memorial Library, International Room
This presentation discusses the history and purpose of the Human Relations Area Files' two databases–eHRAF World Cultures and eHRAF Archaeology. These databases were designed to encourage and facilitate the cross-cultural study of human culture, society, and behavior in the past and present. What makes these databases unique is the organization by culture and by subject-indexing system at the paragraph-level. During the presentation, we will discuss how the databases grew out of Yale's interdisciplinary Institute of Human Relations founded in 1929, how the databases and editorial processes changed over time, and what we plan for the future. HRAF is a teaching and research resource for any discipline with an interest in understanding cultural diversity and culture change. This talk is sponsored by the Standing Committee on Professional Awareness (SCOPA).