Keeping stuff: How to preserve course papers despite technological change

Executive summary

• The commonest cause of loss or distortion of documents stored electronically is reliance on software systems (word processors, compilers, user interfaces) that do not observe standards.

• To preserve documents effectively, use software that (1) is standardized, either de jure (by a neutral public standards document) or de facto (by release of source code); (2) is stable; (3) is free; and (4) uses human-readable, non-patented file formats.

• Software that empowers users is good; domineering software is bad.

• When in doubt, keep a paper copy.