Knowledge Keeper 0.1 is a test version. This guide will be updated with each release.
Quick start
- Open Knowledge Keeper from its page on this website. The first screen explains where your data is kept.
- Create a project: give it a title, purpose, place and organisation or researcher.
- Add a record. Work through the sections: context, knowledge holder, description, continuity, evidence and research notes.
- Complete the ethics and rights section with the knowledge holder or community. A record cannot be marked complete until it is filled in.
- Your work saves automatically. Make a backup regularly.
Installing
Knowledge Keeper is installed only from relationalfuturesinstitute.org, using your browser’s own install option. Once installed, it opens in its own window and works offline. Updates arrive from this website the next time you are online.
- Windows or Mac (Chrome or Edge): use the “Install on this device” button on the Knowledge Keeper page, or the install icon in the address bar.
- Android (Chrome): choose “Install app” or “Add to Home screen” from the browser menu.
- iPhone and iPad (Safari): tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
Uninstalling the app can also delete the records on that device. Make a backup first.
Backup and restore
A backup is a single file containing a whole project. Save it somewhere safe—not only on the same device. To restore, open the backup in Knowledge Keeper on any device. The file is checked before anything is replaced, and you will be shown what will happen first.
Exporting
You can export selected records as JSON (for other software), as a spreadsheet (CSV), or as a printable report that you can print or save as a PDF. Before any record marked “Community-restricted” or “Sensitive / do not share” is included, you will see a clear warning, and those records are left out unless you deliberately include them.
Responsible documentation
Knowledge Keeper helps you document a consent process; it does not replace one. Documentation does not transfer ownership of knowledge to RFI, to the researcher or to anyone using the software.
- Consent
- Explain what you are recording, why, where it will be kept and who may see it. Ask again as the work develops, and record what was agreed in the knowledge holder’s own terms.
- Reciprocity
- Documentation should benefit the people who share knowledge. Agree how approved material will be returned to them, in formats they can use.
- Attribution
- Record how the knowledge holder or community wishes to be named—or not named—and honour it in every export and publication.
- Culturally restricted knowledge
- Sacred, private, medicinal or otherwise restricted knowledge should not be recorded or shared without explicit approval from those with authority to give it.
- Minimisation
- Record only what you need. Use pseudonyms or codes where names are not necessary, and avoid precise locations of sensitive sites.
- Secure handling
- Keep backups somewhere safe, avoid shared computers for sensitive work, and remember that a backup sent by email or kept in the cloud is only as private as that account.
Known limitations
- Records exist only on the device where they were entered, until you make a backup.
- Lost or broken devices, cleared browser data, clean-up apps, uninstalling and private windows can all delete records.
- Browsers may remove stored data when space is low; installing the tool reduces this risk.
- Anyone using the same computer and browser can see the records.
- The first version has no password and does not encrypt records or backups. A password-protected backup file is being considered for a future version.
- The first version records details about photos, audio and documents, but does not store the files themselves.
- There is no syncing between devices.
Versions
- 0.1
- Test version for review by RFI: projects, records with the ethics rule, access levels, search and filters, backup and restore, JSON, CSV and printable exports, offline use and installation.
- 1.0 (planned)
- First public release, after testing and approval.
Questions and problems
To ask a question, report a problem or raise a security concern, write to hello@relationalfuturesinstitute.org. See also the terms of use for RFI’s digital tools.