LabArchives offers chemists a flexible and efficient platform to record and manage experimental data. A well-maintained electronic lab notebook (ELN) ensures that your work is organized, reproducible, and easily shareable within your lab or team. Below is a guide to help you get the most out of LabArchives.
Standardized Templates and Naming Conventions
Templates
Many chemists create standardized templates to streamline notebook entries. A good template may include:
- Headings and descriptions in Rich text
- Sections for chemical reactions and observations
- Fields for uploading files, photos, and data
Templates help ensure consistency, completeness, and efficiency. Store them in a designated "Templates" folder so team members can easily copy and reuse them.
Naming Conventions
Develop consistent naming policies for experiments, pages, and files to facilitate easy retrieval and review.
Example:2019/11/21 JD Aspirin Synthesis 001
This clearly indicates the date, researcher, experiment type, and sequence number.
Also, create a data dictionary or reference guide for common abbreviations like "NMR," "IR," or compound synonyms, to avoid confusion when using search tools.
Suggested Structure for Each LabArchives Page
Each experiment or page entry in LabArchives may include the following:
1. Chemical Name and Experiment Number
- Use clear, descriptive titles (e.g., "JD-003: Aspirin Synthesis").
- List multiple names for a compound (IUPAC name, common name, formula) as a rich text entry to improve searchability.
2. Purpose of the Experiment
- Briefly state the goal of the experiment in a sentence or two.
3. Chemical Structures and Reactions
Options for adding structures:
- Use the built-in Chemical Sketcher widget to draw molecules and reactions.
- Upload exported files from tools like ChemDraw (
.mol,.sdf,.cdx) or image files. - Include tags, file descriptions, and filenames to enhance search results.
- Upload photos of hand-drawn sketches with a descriptive caption.
4. Reagents and Products List
Include detailed information:
- Chemical name, manufacturer, lot number, purity, and physical properties
5. Calculations and Data Tables
- Use the stoichiometry calculator within the Chemical Sketcher widget.
- Create rich text entries or custom widgets for calculations and data tables.
- Include formulas used, units, and sources.
6. Procedure, Notes, and Observations
- Record step-by-step procedures.
- Add real-time notes and observations in rich text entries.
- Clearly highlight any deviations from the standard method.
7. Photos and Videos
- Document visual indicators (color change, gas evolution, etc.)
- Upload images of equipment setup or experimental outcomes.
- Record short training videos for protocols.
8. Data and Spectral Analysis
- Upload raw files or analysis data (NMR, IR, chromatography, etc.).
- If storing large files externally, link to them with clear labels and descriptions.
- Group related data using attachments or folder structures.
9. Equipment and Software Used
Log essential details:
- Instrument model, settings, software version
- Manufacturer and calibration information
- Note any cleaning, calibration, or maintenance
Maintain a shared equipment log to help diagnose issues if unexpected results occur.
10. Safety Information and Waste Disposal
- Store or link to key documents: SDS, COSHH, EPA forms, calibration reports
- Organize in folders or pages for quick reference
- Make them accessible to all team members
Search and Indexing
LabArchives indexes all recognized text, making it easy to retrieve information using keywords. To enhance searchability:
- Use consistent chemical names and include synonyms.
- Add tags, descriptions, and captions to all uploaded files.
- You can also search by chemical structure using the sketch tool or supported file types.