Abstract: A computer-based system catalogs and retrieves electronic messages saved in a message store. The system automatically organizes each saved message into multiple folders based on the contents and attributes of the message, and implements improved methods for manually organizing messages. Unlike prior art systems, where a message exists in only one folder, the system uses lightweight message shortcuts to display the message in multiple folders simultaneously. The system preferably permits messages to be organized by: 1) basic message and attachment properties, e.g. date, status, attachment type; 2) extended message properties that the user can specify, e.g. keywords; and 3) correspondent or bulk mail sender/recipient, with automatic separation of bulk mail from correspondence. Performance and usability are improved by performing reads incrementally and by providing multiple sorting keys.