# Adam Spiers

> maintainer of GNU Stow and occasional contributor to other GNU software such as GNU LilyPond and Org-Mode

**Wikidata**: [Q125470350](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125470350)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/adam-spiers

Here’s the structured biographical entry for Adam Spiers:

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## Summary  
Adam Spiers is a British software engineer and programmer best known as the maintainer of GNU Stow, a symlink farm manager for Unix systems. He is also an occasional contributor to other GNU projects like LilyPond and Org-Mode. Spiers has worked for notable organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Lehman Brothers, and Novell.

## Biography  
- Nationality: British (resides in London)  
- Education: Shrewsbury School, New College  
- Known for: Maintaining GNU Stow and contributing to GNU software  
- Employer(s): Mayo Clinic (1996), New College (1996–1998), Lehman Brothers (2002–2005), Novell (2005–2011)  
- Field(s): Software engineering, free software development  
- Instrument: Cello  

## Contributions  
Adam Spiers became the maintainer of GNU Stow in November 2011, overseeing its development as a tool for managing symlink farms in Unix-like systems. He has contributed to other GNU projects, including LilyPond (a music engraving program) and Org-Mode (an Emacs-based note-taking and organizing tool). His work emphasizes the free software movement, aligning with GNU’s philosophy. Spiers has held technical roles at organizations like Novell and Lehman Brothers, applying his expertise in software architecture and development. His personal website and blog document his contributions to both software and music (as a cellist).

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Adam Spiers known for?  
A: He is best known as the maintainer of GNU Stow and for contributions to other GNU projects like LilyPond and Org-Mode.  

### Q: Where has Adam Spiers worked?  
A: He has worked at Mayo Clinic, New College, Lehman Brothers, and Novell, among others.  

### Q: Is Adam Spiers involved in music?  
A: Yes, he is a cellist and has documented his musical activities on his personal website.  

## Why They Matter  
Adam Spiers’ stewardship of GNU Stow ensures the tool remains reliable for developers managing software installations via symlinks. His contributions to GNU projects like LilyPond and Org-Mode support niche but impactful tools in music composition and productivity. By aligning with the free software movement, Spiers helps sustain open-source ecosystems critical to developers worldwide. Without his maintenance, GNU Stow might lack updates or community engagement, disrupting workflows for Unix users.  

## Notable For  
- Maintaining GNU Stow since 2011.  
- Contributing to GNU LilyPond and Org-Mode.  
- Career spanning finance (Lehman Brothers), healthcare (Mayo Clinic), and tech (Novell).  
- Active participation in the free software movement.  

## Body  
### Career  
- **Mayo Clinic (1996)**: Early role in IT.  
- **New College (1996–1998)**: Worked during his education.  
- **Lehman Brothers (2002–2005)**: Software engineering role.  
- **Novell (2005–2011)**: Software architect position.  

### GNU Contributions  
- **GNU Stow**: Maintainer since 2011; manages symlink farms for software installations.  
- **GNU LilyPond**: Contributed to this music engraving program.  
- **Org-Mode**: Assisted with this Emacs-based productivity tool.  

### Personal  
- **Residence**: London.  
- **Music**: Plays the cello; details on his CV.  
- **Blog**: Writes about software and personal projects.  

### Affiliations  
- **GNU Project**: Member, contributing to free software.  
- **Micro Focus International**: Former affiliation (via Novell).  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Adam Spiers](https://adamspiers.org/CV/IT.html#experience)
2. [GNU's Who](https://www.gnu.org/people/people.html#a)
3. [Source](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/stow.git/tree/AUTHORS)
4. [Source](https://adamspiers.org/CV/IT.html)
5. [Source](https://adamspiers.org/CV/)
6. [Source](https://adamspiers.org/CV/music.html)
7. [Source](https://github.com/aspiers)