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Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN)

An electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) is a software tool that replicates a traditional paper lab notebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ELN?

An electronic lab notebook, also known as electronic research notebook, or ELN, is a computer program designed to replace paper laboratory notebooks.

A lab notebook stores a primary record of research used to document hypotheses, experiments, observations, and analysis and interpretation of experimental activity. Lab notebooks also have a secondary Intellectual Property protection purpose and are often used in patent prosecution.

Transition to electronic systems may help researchers preserve the integrity of their primary data with minimal effort and ensures the processes used to publish outcomes are transparent and reproducible.

Does LabArchives require installation of software or is it a web-based application?
LabArchives is a web-based application. 

Is LabArchives both Mac and PC compatible? 
Yes, you can access on any device. There is also a Mobile App for iOS and Android: http://labarchives.kayako.com/Knowledgebase/List/Index/226/7-la-mobile-apps-and-3rd-party-applications 


Is the data format proprietary?
You can export data to PDF or HTML. More information about offline notebooks is available at: http://labarchives.kayako.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/53/0/68-create-offline-notebook 

How is LabArchives integrated with MS Office (Word, Excel)?
There are options to work within your MS Office documents AND utilize LabArchives version control and revision history feature:
  • Office Document Editor Option: Allows you to create and edit MS-Office compatible documents from within your Notebook. These document types include:
    • Documents 
    • Spreadsheet
    • Presentation
    • Upload pre-existing Office files from your computer and continue to edit them within LabArchives using the Online Editor: MS Office Online (Office 365). You can also create new Office Documents within LabArchives itself. 
  • MS Office Plugins: Allow you to open Microsoft Office Documents directly and once done editing a file, save the file back to the notebook without even being logged into LabArchives via the web browser.