It is theoretically possible to enable one account to read and write to a directory or file located in another account. This can be done through filesystem permissions and access control lists. However, it is inevitable that despite the initial configuration, files created through such a configuration will eventually become owned by the authoring account without permitting others to modify them. Additionally, if the authoring account that created the files in the shared space is deleted, the files are not automatically accounted for. Deleting the home or scratch directories alone is not sufficient to clear out that account's files from the system.

To facilitate shared workspaces without introducing such problems, we create project accounts. They are shared accounts that multiple people may access. All files in the account are owned by it and not by others. Typically access is configured through SSH keys. You cannot transfer files directly from your own account via `cp` -- you will need to use `scp` or some other network transfer program.

We can also enable users to access these shared account through JupyterHub. 

Please contact manager@stat.berkeley.edu if you would like to create a project account. Let us know:

• which local accounts need access
• is the project is related to a course or faculty research
• what is the suggested account name (something 12 characters or less, or so)