Cambridge University Library is working to recover valuable historical information trapped on old floppy disks, including items from Stephen Hawking’s archives. The “Future Nostalgia” project addresses challenges posed by legacy data storage, as many disks risk data loss due to degrading materials. Archivists face technical hurdles in accessing and translating content from various disk formats, as finding compatible hardware is increasingly difficult. The project aims to preserve these forgotten documents for future generations and involves public participation, inviting individuals to bring their own floppy disks for exploration.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251009-rescuing-knowledge-trapped-on-old-floppy-disks