What is a laboratory notebook?
Researchers typically use a notebook to enter all experimental data and other related notes and meetings associated with a research project. It is usually a bound notebook, i.e. pages are not loose, with sequentially numbered pages numbers and all entries made in waterproof ink. It is kept in the research area and backup copies are stored elsewhere for safekeeping. Original records should not leave the research site. The laboratory notebook ensures that there is proper documentation of a research study. Not only can the investigator accurately review the research data, monitor the progress of the study and staff, but these records are also the source documents for data analysis, reports, and publications related to the research study. These source documents can also be used to establish and defend intellectual property rights, authorship, and other compliance issues resolved by auditing records. Who should have a laboratory notebook? Each member of the laboratory should have a properly