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Created page with "'''This page is also available in German.''' = Laboratory Bookkeeping Guide = == A practical guide to structured and efficient lab documentation == === Why lab bookkeeping matters === Clean lab documentation isn’t just bureaucracy – it’s a cornerstone of scientific integrity. [...] === Core principles === # '''Traceability''' # '''Immutability''' # '''Timeliness''' # '''Structure''' === Analog or digital? === [...] === What to include =..." |
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''' | '''Diese Seite ist auch auf [[Laborbuchführung|Deutsch]] verfügbar.''' | ||
= Laboratory Bookkeeping Guide = | = Laboratory Bookkeeping Guide = | ||
== A practical guide to structured and efficient lab documentation == | == A practical guide to structured and efficient lab documentation == | ||
=== Why lab bookkeeping matters === | === Why lab bookkeeping matters === | ||
Clean lab documentation isn’t just bureaucracy – it’s a cornerstone of scientific integrity. | Clean lab documentation isn’t just bureaucracy – it’s a cornerstone of scientific integrity. Clear records ensure reproducibility and quality assurance, and they protect you: when data gets lost, during publication reviews, or simply when you’re writing your thesis or dissertation. | ||
=== Core principles === | === Core principles === | ||
# '''Traceability''' | # '''Traceability''' | ||
Someone else (or future you) should be able to fully understand the experiment – including materials, conditions, purpose, and result. | |||
# '''Immutability''' | # '''Immutability''' | ||
Don’t "clean up" your data or rewrite history. Corrections should be transparent – e.g., by crossing out rather than deleting. | |||
# '''Timeliness''' | # '''Timeliness''' | ||
Record entries ideally '''during''' or right '''after''' the experiment. Memories fade quicker than you think. | |||
# '''Structure''' | # '''Structure''' | ||
Use a consistent format, clear sections (date, title, goal, procedure, observation, analysis), and clean writing. It helps you too! | |||
=== Analog or digital? === | === Analog or digital? === | ||
* '''Analog lab notebooks''' (e.g., A4 with numbered pages) are often mandatory in publicly funded projects or for patent purposes. Pros: legally valid, tamper-proof, always accessible. | |||
* '''Digital notebooks''' (e.g., ELN software like eLabFTW, LabArchives) offer search functions, backups, file uploads. Important: ensure versioning and access control. | |||
In many cases, keeping both formats pays off: analog for the official documentation, digital for better searchability and extra materials (raw data, scripts, images). | |||
=== What to include === | === What to include === | ||
* Date, experiment number/title | |||
* Research objective or question | |||
* Materials, equipment, samples (incl. batch numbers, storage info) | |||
* Precise experimental procedure (incl. deviations!) | |||
* Observations, measurements, spontaneous notes | |||
* Preliminary analysis, charts or screenshots | |||
* Reflection: What worked, what didn’t? What’s the next step? | |||
=== Practical tips === | === Practical tips === | ||
* Use templates (your own or institutional) to save time. | |||
* Develop a consistent naming scheme for samples, files, and experiments. | |||
* Document '''failures''' in detail – they’re often more informative than “perfect” data. | |||
* Use waterproof pens – no pencils or erasers. | |||
* Regularly create digital backups (even of analog books, e.g., by scanning). | |||
* Add photos, sketches, or printouts – visual documentation is incredibly valuable. | |||
=== Conclusion === | === Conclusion === | ||
A well-kept lab notebook isn’t a burden – it’s your best ally in research. | A well-kept lab notebook isn’t a burden – it’s your best ally in research. It protects your work, preserves your results, and can save you hours during the writing phase. Just invest a few minutes a day – your future self will thank you. | ||
Latest revision as of 15:31, 7 May 2025
Diese Seite ist auch auf Deutsch verfügbar.
Laboratory Bookkeeping Guide
A practical guide to structured and efficient lab documentation
Why lab bookkeeping matters
Clean lab documentation isn’t just bureaucracy – it’s a cornerstone of scientific integrity. Clear records ensure reproducibility and quality assurance, and they protect you: when data gets lost, during publication reviews, or simply when you’re writing your thesis or dissertation.
Core principles
- Traceability
Someone else (or future you) should be able to fully understand the experiment – including materials, conditions, purpose, and result.
- Immutability
Don’t "clean up" your data or rewrite history. Corrections should be transparent – e.g., by crossing out rather than deleting.
- Timeliness
Record entries ideally during or right after the experiment. Memories fade quicker than you think.
- Structure
Use a consistent format, clear sections (date, title, goal, procedure, observation, analysis), and clean writing. It helps you too!
Analog or digital?
- Analog lab notebooks (e.g., A4 with numbered pages) are often mandatory in publicly funded projects or for patent purposes. Pros: legally valid, tamper-proof, always accessible.
- Digital notebooks (e.g., ELN software like eLabFTW, LabArchives) offer search functions, backups, file uploads. Important: ensure versioning and access control.
In many cases, keeping both formats pays off: analog for the official documentation, digital for better searchability and extra materials (raw data, scripts, images).
What to include
- Date, experiment number/title
- Research objective or question
- Materials, equipment, samples (incl. batch numbers, storage info)
- Precise experimental procedure (incl. deviations!)
- Observations, measurements, spontaneous notes
- Preliminary analysis, charts or screenshots
- Reflection: What worked, what didn’t? What’s the next step?
Practical tips
- Use templates (your own or institutional) to save time.
- Develop a consistent naming scheme for samples, files, and experiments.
- Document failures in detail – they’re often more informative than “perfect” data.
- Use waterproof pens – no pencils or erasers.
- Regularly create digital backups (even of analog books, e.g., by scanning).
- Add photos, sketches, or printouts – visual documentation is incredibly valuable.
Conclusion
A well-kept lab notebook isn’t a burden – it’s your best ally in research. It protects your work, preserves your results, and can save you hours during the writing phase. Just invest a few minutes a day – your future self will thank you.