The archivist preserving decaying floppy disks
Popular Science
by Mack DeGeurinFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The humble floppy disk, once the backbone of digital storage, now faces a slow demise as its hardware and formats become obsolete. Leontien Talboom, an archivist at Cambridge University Library, is leading the charge to preserve decades of cultural and scientific history stored on these aging disks before magnetic decay renders them unreadable. With the help of retro computing enthusiasts, she has developed tools and guides, such as "Copy That Floppy!," to image floppy disks and rescue data for future generations.
Floppies, introduced in the 1970s, were the primary medium for storing digital information until replaced by CDs and USB drives. Despite their decline, they remain critical in certain industries like healthcare and defense, where legacy systems still rely on them for updates and operations. However, the disks degrade over time due to heat, humidity, and mold, which break down the iron oxide coating essential for data storage.
Talboom’s efforts highlight the challenges of preserving floppy disks, as they come in various incompatible formats requiring specialized hardware and tools. Her work emphasizes the need for proactive preservation strategies to prevent valuable historical records from being lost to a "Digital Dark Age." This issue is particularly relevant for readers interested in science and technology, as it underscores the importance of safeguarding early digital history before it disappears.
The project also raises awareness about the broader implications of technological obsolescence. While modern storage solutions like terabyte hard drives and cloud services dominate today, the persistence of legacy systems demonstrates the enduring complexity of digital preservation. Talboom’s initiatives provide a roadmap for archivists and enthusiasts worldwide to tackle this challenge, ensuring that valuable data remains accessible long into the future.
Ultimately, her work reminds us of the fragility of digital information and the importance of preserving it before it is too late. By addressing the unique challenges posed by floppy disks, Talboom not only saves historical records but also bridges the gap between past and present technologies, offering insights into our digital heritage.
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Originally published on Popular Science on 2/24/2026