Considerations for implementing electronic laboratory notebooks in an academic research environment
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Higgins, S
Nogiwa Valdez, Akemi
Stevens, Molly
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
As research becomes predominantly digitalised, scientists have the option of using
electronic laboratory notebooks to record and access entries. These systems can more
readily meet volume, complexity, accessibility and preservation requirements than paper
notebooks. Whilst the technology can yield many benefits these can only be realised by
choosing a system that properly fulfils the requirements of a given context. This review
explores the factors that should be considered when introducing electronic laboratory
notebooks to an academically focused research group. We cite pertinent studies and
discuss our own experience implementing a system within a multi-disciplinary research
environment. We also consider how the required financial and time investment is shared
between individuals and institutions. Finally, we discuss how electronic laboratory notebooks
fit into the broader context of research data management. This article is not a product
review; it provides a framework for both the initial consideration of an electronic laboratory
notebook and the evaluation of specific software packages.
electronic laboratory notebooks to record and access entries. These systems can more
readily meet volume, complexity, accessibility and preservation requirements than paper
notebooks. Whilst the technology can yield many benefits these can only be realised by
choosing a system that properly fulfils the requirements of a given context. This review
explores the factors that should be considered when introducing electronic laboratory
notebooks to an academically focused research group. We cite pertinent studies and
discuss our own experience implementing a system within a multi-disciplinary research
environment. We also consider how the required financial and time investment is shared
between individuals and institutions. Finally, we discuss how electronic laboratory notebooks
fit into the broader context of research data management. This article is not a product
review; it provides a framework for both the initial consideration of an electronic laboratory
notebook and the evaluation of specific software packages.
Date Issued
2022-01-14
Date Acceptance
2021-09-06
Citation
Nature Protocols, 2022, 17, pp.179-189
ISSN
1750-2799
Publisher
Nature Research
Start Page
179
End Page
189
Journal / Book Title
Nature Protocols
Volume
17
Copyright Statement
© 2022 The Author(s). The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-021-00645-8
Sponsor
Cancer Research UK
Wellcome Trust
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Royal Academy Of Engineering
Identifier
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41596-021-00645-8
Grant Number
30035
098411/Z/12/Z
MR/R015651/1
CIET2021\94
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Biochemical Research Methods
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics
03 Chemical Sciences
06 Biological Sciences
11 Medical and Health Sciences
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-01-14