# How to decide which references to save

Source: https://www.signoapp.com/en/blog/what-deserves-saving
Language: en-US
Author: Signoapp Team
Published: 2026-08-28T06:25:00.000Z
Modified: 2026-09-30

Save an item only when you can name a likely future use, the question it answers, or the decision it may change.

## Put it into practice

Choose something you saved this week. Save an item only when you can name a likely future use, the question it answers, or the decision it may change. Note whether you could find it again.

![Zotero browser connector identifies a source for saving.](https://www.signoapp.com/assets/editorial/screenshots/zotero-web-capture.png)

Example in Zotero. Before pressing save, name the question this page will help you answer. [Zotero](https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide#capturing_items)

## Work through one real item

Work through one real item

1. Step 1: Name the question or task.
2. Step 2: Keep the original source.
3. Step 3: Add one sentence of context.
4. Step 4: Choose the next review point.

Try these steps with your own files. Keep the ones that help you find a reference or decide what to do with it.

![Zotero note editor for recording context beside a source.](https://www.signoapp.com/assets/editorial/screenshots/zotero-note-editor.png)

Example in Zotero. Use the note space for one sentence about the reference's future use. [Zotero](https://www.zotero.org/support/notes#child_notes)

## What the source supports

### Microsoft Research

Observed methods people use to keep web information and the value of preserving reminders and context. Read Keeping Found Things Found on the Web. We suggest this guide's steps as an exercise. The source did not evaluate their results.

[Keeping Found Things Found on the Web](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/keeping-found-things-found-web/)

## Choose what to do

A quick capture decision

| Signal | Action | Details to keep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What to try | Save an item only when you can name a likely future use, the question it answers, or the decision it may change. | Record whether the item stays, changes, or goes, and why. |
| Useful now | Save and place it with current work | Source and next action |
| Possibly useful | Leave it in the inbox for review | Reason and review trigger |
| No named use | Close or delete it | None |

## Check the result

- [ ] I recorded what happened in the test, even if it differed from what I expected.
- [ ] The item has a clear future use.
- [ ] The source can be traced.
- [ ] The note explains why it matters.
- [ ] The capture inbox stays temporary.

## When to use another approach

### When to use another approach

Capture cannot repair a weak source or grant rights you do not have. Keep sensitive material out unless the storage and sharing controls match the risk.

## Sources reviewed

- [Keeping Found Things Found on the Web](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/keeping-found-things-found-web/): Microsoft Research. Observed methods people use to keep web information and the value of preserving reminders and context.
- [Personal Digital Archiving](https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/digital-preservation/personal-digital-archiving/): Library of Congress. Practical preservation guidance for personal digital collections, descriptions, storage, and formats.