Information in this guide is designed to help you manage your personal digital files and memories. This guide will identify some of the the risks that your digital records face and some basic steps you can take to preserve them.
Your personal digital collection is most likely quite large. It probably spans many different devices and is stored in many different forms and systems. Using some basic digital file management and archiving techniques can help you stay organized by improving your ability to find, retrieve, and re-use your files.
Our digital files and memories are often stored in systems that we don't fully control. For example, many of your important digital memories might be stored in formats such as emails or social media posts. Thinking critically about who has access to your digital files is important for protecting your privacy. In addition, creating a plan to get your files and data out of these systems can help ensure long-term access.
Your digital records document your daily life. These records document important events, your family and friends, and your work achievements. Historically, these types of records help form the basis of our own personal identity. Similarly, these types of records are also often thought of as keep-sakes for our family histories.
This guide is focused on helping you preserve your personal digital files. If you are a staff or faculty member looking to preserve or organize your digital files related to your work at George Washington University please contact the University Archivist.
