Floppy disks get a second life at Cambridge University Library

By Ahmad Damen,

Sacha Pfeiffer, Gabriel J. Sánchez

Published October 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM CDT

A new program at the University of Cambridge library in the UK is asking people to bring in their floppy disks so that any digital artifacts on them can be extracted. Among rediscovered files are documents once belonging to Stephen Hawking, says technical analyst Leontien Talboom.

Tags

All Things Considered

Ahmad Damen

Ahmad Damen is an editor for All Things Considered based in Washington, D.C. He first joined NPR's and WBUR's Here & Now as an editor in 2024. Damen brings more than 15 years of experience in journalism, with roles spanning six countries.

Sacha Pfeiffer

Sacha Pfeiffer is a correspondent for NPR's Investigations team and an occasional guest host for some of NPR's national shows.

See stories by Sacha Pfeiffer

Gabriel J. Sánchez

Gabriel J. Sánchez is a producer for NPR's All Things Considered. Sánchez identifies stories, books guests, and produces what you hear on air. Sánchez also directs All Things Considered on Saturdays and Sundays.