The Institute is comprised of the Administration, Departments and Sub-groups, the latter being made up to meet certain research objectives. The structure, organizational and/or re-organizational questions of the Departments are decided by the Council. The Institute contains the Departments of Early Literature, Modern Literature, Contemporary Literature, Textology, Folk Songs, Narrative Folklore, Archives of Folklore. It also maintains the Scientific Library and the Publishing Centre.

The staff consist of 114 employees – 80 scientists (4 habilitated doctors, 46 doctors, 15 doctorates, 15 research assistants) and 34 other employees. Scientists and researchers are employable only by means of a contest and are entitled for election or certification in no less than every 5 years whereas the assisting staff undergo the certification following the requirements of the Council.