![]() If you are generating new data you should consider whether your notebook is the best place to store this data or if it should be purely used for notes and observations about the data. ![]() Notes vs dataĮlectronic research notebooks should be used in the way that works for you and your research, whilst following best practice guidelines. If you're attracted to LIMS functionality as well as an ERN, consider carefully whether you'd prefer the convenience of a single, large and complex product that will do everything, or a pair of products that might offer clearer focus and more streamlined interfaces. Many ERN products have started life and developed as an integral part of a LIMS, and then branched into a separate product, and in some cases the LIMS heritage is still apparent in the ERN's complex and very 'database-like' interface. Its basic function is therefore distinct from that of an Electronic Research Notebook, but it's not unusual for features to overlap in areas like protocol management for example. freezer stocks & samples, reagents etc, often including procurement and ordering features. ERN vs LIMSĪ Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a database system for management of a lab's research resources - e.g. This might sound tempting and a lightweight way to experiment with an ERN product, but beware – most users eventually find themselves incentivised to upgrade to a paid plan, for performance reasons or to increase storage capacity. ![]() Most commercial ERN vendors offer a free cloud-based service for individual or academic use. It's an attractive, economical, accessible and low-impact option utilising software tools that are already familiar to most users, but it requires a disciplined and well-organised approach, and, since the products are not designed with ERN applications in mind, users should be aware of the risk of interruption caused by unfriendly software updates. Read the case study on using OneNote as an ERN. Evernote, OneNote, Dropbox, OneDrive) to operate systems that provide most of the core features of a 'real' electronic notebook. Many individuals and groups are successfully using combinations of readily available and well-established productivity tools (e.g. However, the complexity of these products, and their different designs and feature sets, and the level of commitment they demand, can make the task of choosing a product difficult. ERNs are also sometimes referred to as electronic lab notebooks, or ELNs, but their use does not have to be limited to a lab environment as they are useful for recording research notes in all disciplines. Many ERN packages offer a wealth of other features too, enabling data management, collaboration, integration with other software, laboratory information management (LIMS) and many more. In its most basic form it might simply provide a word-processor-like interface to replicate the way you currently use a paper notebook, but with additional benefits such as shareability, searchability, password protection and backup. The Basics What is an Electronic Research Notebook, and why should I use one?Īn ERN is a software system for documenting your research work. It's a cluttered and competitive marketplace, and all of the vendors seek to differentiate their products by adding more specialist features, more integrations, and more complexity. You are encouraged to look through all parts of this guide as it covers important aspects of selecting an ERN. You have a duty to ensure that your research work is managed in a responsible way – many funders explicitly state this requirement – and the information below covers important topics, such as data security, which should be as influential in your decision making as the degree to which you like the user interface of a notebook. The University does not provide a platform for researchers to use and has decided that it is not appropriate to suggest one due to the breadth of disciplines at Cambridge and the huge variety of needs that this creates. Preface/disclaimer: There is no perfect product!Ĭurrently, there is no single electronic research notebook, or ERN, product that will satisfy all researchers, all of the time. If you have any questions about electronic notebooks please email or speak to your Faculty or Departmental librarian. Key areas to consider are Storage and security and Forward planning as they are important for protecting and managing your data well, both now and into the future, but we would advise you read all the guidance on this page. This page contains information that will help you think about the different features of electronic notebooks and gives guidance on how to pick one that suits you. Electronic research notebooks can be used by any researcher in any discipline.
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