Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Working with record creators > The nature of personal digital archives
The nature of personal digital archives
Are politicians typical of other creators of personal archives?
Paradigm's investigation into the structure of personal archives focused upon politicians and some of its findings will not be relevant to those dealing with the personal archives of other types of individual. Indeed, perhaps politicians are not the most typical creators of personal archives as it is obvious that they do not personally create many of the records which fall under their name. However certain aspects of personal record keeping are universal, namely the sheer variety of record keeping behaviours and the idiosyncrasy of the individual. The Guidelines for creators of personal archives (see Appendix B) have been written with all types of individuals in mind and focus on easily implemented practical solutions. It is hoped that these can provide a basis from which digital curators might produce refined guidelines targeted at individuals working in specific disciplines (e.g. writers or scientists).
