Using an Electronic Lab Notebook

An Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) is a software tool that in its most basic form replicates an interface much like a page in a paper lab notebook. In an ELN you can enter protocols, observations, notes, and other data using your computer or mobile device.

ELNs offer several advantages over traditional paper notebooks, including:

  • facilitate good data management practices
  • provide data security
  • support auditing
  • allow collaboration

Some ELNs can also manage inventories of samples, reagents, and other supplies, as well as keeping track of equipment and equipment maintenance schedules. Additionally, some ELNs provide specialist scientific tools for chemical drawing or molecular biology.

HMS Academic and Research Integrity has developed clear guidelines for using ELNs at Harvard Medical School.

Members of the LMA research community can find specific ELN support services on our "ELNs at LMA" page.

Answering Your ELN Questions

  • How and why do I benefit from using an ELN?
    • ELNs support FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), which are recognized by the research community, including the National Institutes of Health
    • They enable oversight by PIs or Core Facility managers
    • Data and documentation can be easily shared with collaborators
    • They eliminate issues with poor handwriting and damaged paper notebooks
    • ELNs can prevent data from being lost when researchers move on
    • Some ELNs can be integrated with Mendeley, Dataverse, and PubMed (and other applications) making publishing and the research process easier

  • How do I overcome difficulties of using computers while performing experiments?
    • Providing dedicated tablets for use by researchers while in the lab
    • Using voice input or optical character recognition (OCR) plugins
    • Utilizing time-saving features like linking experiments to raw data files and results and automatic date and time stamping to prove provenance
    • Integrating the ELN with other research software to capture data and information

  • How do I ensure my data is secure?
    • ELNs generally provide excellent security and auditing features
    • Many ELNs provide compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11
    • Utilize 2-factor authentication and keep unique credentials
    • ELN security is only as good as the security protocols that you use in your lab, so ensure you have a data security plan in place

  • How long will setting up an ELN take?

    • It takes time and thought to set up an ELN. Your lab will need to come to a decision on how your data should be organized, and shared.
    • If you make use of Inventory features, it will take time and effort to set up but will save time on linking experiments to samples, managing supplies, and ordering supplies
    • Larger labs or those with large inventories should consider allocating a dedicated Lab Data Manager to this task during the initial setup period

ELN Recommended Practices

Selecting an ELN for your Lab

There is no “one-size-fits-all” electronic research notebook. Your lab will need to consider a number of different factors before selecting the ELN platform that best meets your needs. These factors include:

  • The type of science that you do and the specific features that you need
  • Your lab’s established practices and preferences
  • Your institution’s ELN policies
  • The security level of your data
  • Your budget

Your Research Computing department will likely be able to help you further. Find support services on "ELNs at LMA."

Helpful ELN Selection Resources

HMS Guidelines

ELN guidelines developed by HMS Academic and Research Integrity

Nature Article

How to pick an electronic laboratory notebook

Written by Roberta Kwok in 2018

Comparison Tool

Electronic Lab Notebook Comparison Matrix

Archived Matrix on Zenodo