There are also a small number of commercial ELNs with open-source codebases and free (to non-profit organizations) ELNs with proprietary codebases. A few community-developed open-source ELNs exist, with freely accessible codebases. These offer access to proprietary software, typically hosted remotely and available via subscription, under a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model. Most current ELNs are commercial offerings. Its adoption requires clear understanding of notebook use in a given laboratory setting and the provision of sufficient resources. However, implementing an ELN is non-trivial. Recording, accessing and preserving paper-based records can be slow, inefficient and difficult to integrate with modern computer-controlled data capture systems. ELNs are presented as a tool for improving the reproducibility of research by facilitating the transfer of vital experimental details, both between generations of researchers and across different research groups 5, 6. In the 1980s, software such as RS/1 (Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Inc.) offered researchers the capability to store, analyze and comment on data 3, 4. Before deploying an ELN, it is critical that the requirements of users, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches, are properly understood to avoid creating a system that hinders rather than helps.ĮLNs have been mooted in various forms since the late 1950s 2. Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) are fundamentally a means of digitizing entries at the point of creation, enabling those data to be processed computationally. Research relies on computing to analyze and present data therefore, storing laboratory notebook entries in a digital format allows them to sit seamlessly alongside research data as they are processed. Collaborative or multidisciplinary research fields require efficient methods for capturing and sharing notebook entries between a diverse range of scientists. The ability to readily access, use and share laboratory notebook data allows researchers to quickly infer meaning from results and can help facilitate reproducibility across experiments. These contain important metadata, reflecting the nuance of experimental work. 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.Īlongside millions of new research publications each year 1 is the creation of millions more laboratory notebook entries. Finally, we discuss how electronic laboratory notebooks fit into the broader context of research data management. We also consider how the required financial and time investment is shared between individuals and institutions. We cite pertinent studies and discuss our own experience implementing a system within a multidisciplinary research environment. This review explores the factors that should be considered when introducing electronic laboratory notebooks to an academically focused research group. Although the technology can yield many benefits, these can be realized only by choosing a system that properly fulfills the requirements of a given context. These systems can more readily meet volume, complexity, accessibility and preservation requirements than paper notebooks. As research becomes predominantly digitalized, scientists have the option of using electronic laboratory notebooks to record and access entries.
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