Introduzione. Nelle soffitte degli altri

This special issue of “La Ricerca Folklorica” explores the fate of research archives in anthropology, linguistics and oral history. While institutions preserve published works, research materials – notes, interviews, photographs and recordings – often remain neglected. The digital turn has further complicated their preservation, raising ethical, legal and technical issues. This volume examines case studies and initiatives to preserve these archives, highlighting their cultural and scientific value and addressing the challenges of accessibility, authorship, ownership and long-term sustainability.