What is an electronic lab notebook, and how can it help me in my research?

An electronic lab notebook (ELN) is a digital version of a traditional paper lab notebook, designed to help researchers record, organize, and manage their research data in a secure and efficient way. ELNs provide features such as time-stamped entries, version control, collaboration tools, and the ability to attach files, images, and datasets. Unlike paper notebooks, ELNs enhance data integrity, searchability, and reproducibility, making them a vital tool for modern research environments.

At Indiana University, RCLabArchivesLabArchives is a secure, cloud-based electronic lab notebook (ELN) RC LabArchives is the primary ELN solution available to researchers, offering a secure, cloud-based platform for documenting experiments and managing research workflows. It is available for use for affiliates of the IU School of Medicine and the IU Bloomington campus. LabArchives allows users to collaborate with team members, track changes, and integrate with other research tools, such as data analysis software and instrument-generated data. It is particularly useful in lab settings where multiple researchers need access to shared protocols, observations, and results.

To start using an ELN like LabArchives, researchers at IU can request access through the Ruth Lilly Medical Library or IU’s research IT services. Training sessions and workshops are available to help users understand how to set up their notebooks, organize research entries effectively, and utilize features such as template creation and access controls. Additionally, research data librarians can provide guidance on best practices for using ELNs, including ensuring compliance with funding and institutional data management requirements.

By adopting an ELN, researchers can enhance data security, collaboration, and long-term research documentation, ultimately improving research efficiency and reproducibility. Whether working independently or within a team, ELNs provide a structured and scalable way to manage research records, ensuring that data is properly maintained and accessible throughout a project’s lifecycle.