Considerations for implementing electronic laboratory notebooks in an academic research environment.

Area of Science:

• Scientific Research
• Laboratory Management
• Digital Transformation

Background:

• The increasing digitalization of research necessitates efficient data recording methods.
• Traditional paper notebooks present limitations in volume, complexity, accessibility, and preservation.
• Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) offer potential solutions to these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a framework for selecting and evaluating electronic laboratory notebooks for academic research groups.
• To discuss factors influencing the successful implementation of ELNs in multidisciplinary environments.
• To explore the financial and time investments associated with ELN adoption.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pertinent studies on electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Case study of ELN implementation in a multidisciplinary academic research setting.
• Analysis of factors for successful ELN adoption and integration into research data management.

Main Results:

• ELNs offer significant advantages over paper notebooks for managing research data.
• Successful ELN implementation depends on careful system selection aligned with specific research group needs.
• Shared investment models between individuals and institutions are key to ELN adoption.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach is required for choosing and implementing electronic laboratory notebooks.
• ELNs are integral to modern research data management strategies.
• This review provides guidance for academic research groups considering ELN adoption.