Tulane University launches LabArchives for researchers

Tulane University’s Office of Research, in partnership with Tulane University Libraries (TUL) and Tulane’s Information Technology (IT), has launched its first electronic lab notebook (ELN) solution for all Tulane researchers. LabArchives, a secure, cloud-based ELN, enables researchers to capture, manage, store and share information and data. The digital tool is designed to facilitate collaboration among researchers within a lab or institution and outside researchers. 

“Our number one research goal at Tulane is to bring people together with different talent, backgrounds, and knowledge to answer the questions that cannot be answered by individual investigators,” said Dr. Giovanni Piedimonte, Tulane’s Vice President for Research. “The digital revolution has provided unprecedented tools that allow scientists to share data and knowledge in real-time. Electronic lab notebooks, like LabArchives, provide an excellent example of this evolution because they allow you to work cross-functionally across multiple platforms and devices, making it easier for research teams to collaborate and manage data.”

LabArchives allows for the uploading and storing of numerous files, including text, tables, images, spreadsheets and attachments, and creates standard notebook templates for research groups. The data is securely stored on LabArchives servers that ensures 24x7 data availability. LabArchives allows the sharing of information within labs, and collaborators from outside of Tulane can be invited to participate. All revisions of the notebook entries are saved and maintained and are compatible across multiple platforms, including mobile devices.

The LabArchives Tulane Library Guide is available to all Tulane research staff. Researchers are encouraged to learn more about setting up an account. Graduate students can request access to a lab notebook through the LabArchives add/remove request form.

LabArchives provides unlimited training and tutorials. Please contact Tulane’s librarians by email to learn how to integrate LabArchives into the current workflow and register here for the library’s next upcoming Introduction to LabArchives workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 10-11 a.m.

“This is the first step of a global transformation that will include the conversion of research documents into a searchable database and the seamless integration of all steps of grant lifecycle management into a single integrated paperless platform. LabArchives prepares Tulane for the new decade and beyond,” Piedimonte said.

Marcello Canuto, the director of the Middle American Research Institute and professor of anthropology, takes advantage of LabArchives, a new electronic lab notebook solution for all Tulane researchers. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)