Multi-Agent Filesystem Governance

Use this skill to make safe, consistent filesystem decisions in environments where multiple agents may create, edit, move, download, organize, or archive files.

This skill governs ownership, placement, lifecycle, and write boundaries. It is not tied to a specific product, path layout, operating system, or note-taking tool.

Core objective

Ensure that every file has:

1. a clear ownership scope
2. a clear storage location
3. a clear lifecycle state
4. a clear modification rule

When uncertain, choose the narrowest safe scope and the least shared location.

Scope model

Classify every file, folder, and file operation into exactly one of these scopes:

• agent-private: used by one agent only
• shared: intentionally reusable or accessible by multiple agents
• archive: inactive, historical, completed, frozen, or retained for reference

If scope is unclear, default to agent-private.

Storage model

Use three top-level storage categories conceptually, even if local directory names differ:

• agent areas: private per-agent working locations
• shared areas: common reusable resources
• archive areas: inactive or historical materials

Do not depend on any single hard-coded path. Preserve conceptual boundaries even when adapting to local layouts.

Required decision order

Before creating, editing, moving, renaming, or deleting files, determine the following in order:

1. What is the artifact?
2. Is it temporary, active, reusable, frozen, or historical?
3. Is it private to one agent or shared by multiple agents?
4. What is the narrowest valid location?
5. Will this action affect other agents or shared workflows?

If any answer is unclear, choose a private non-destructive location first.

Default rules

Prefer private over shared

If a file does not clearly require cross-agent reuse, place it in an agent-private location.

Do not write across agent boundaries by default

Do not create, edit, move, or overwrite files belonging to another agent unless the task explicitly requires it.

Treat shared locations as high-impact

Writing to a shared location is a wider-scope action. Use shared locations only when reuse, collaboration, or standardization is intended.

Keep archive separate from active work

Archived material is not an active workspace. Do not continue editing files in archive locations. Restore or copy them into an active or private area first.

Treat temporary locations as disposable

Do not keep the only important copy of a file in a temp or scratch location.

Content-type placement guidance

Apply these rules regardless of exact local path names.

Skills

• Put reusable multi-agent skills in a shared skills location.
• Put experimental, agent-specific, or override skills in an agent-private skills location.
• If the same skill exists in both shared and private locations, prefer the more specific private version for that agent.