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E. P. BRODY¹, D. Koenig, M. A. Bjurlin, J. Landry, and P. Beshah. (1) Research and Development, Land O' Lakes, Inc., P. O. Box 64101, St. Paul, MN 55164-0101

Record keeping is a very important part of scientific research, as it has impacts on further work as well as patent claims. In most instances, laboratory records are handwritten and kept in a bound notebook. As a result, laboratory records range from neat, complete, and legible to messy, spotty, and undecipherable. Paper notebooks are often difficult to handle because graphs, tables, and spectra are pasted onto the pages. Considerable time is spent searching through paper notebooks to find a particular datum or result.

Our objective was to develop a computer format that meets the requirements of a scientific notebook. The system to be developed must be secure and meet requirements for scientific and legal documentation. It must also allow rapid information retrieval and facilitate a team environment.

For the past three years, the Land O’ Lakes Research and Development Dept. has been developing an "electronic notebook." Using commercial software, a secure, computer-based record-keeping system has been developed.

Features that prevent overwriting and data tampering meet requirements for patents and other legal aspects. Graphs, tables, and spectra can be "pasted in" electronically. Handwritten run sheets can be scanned and included. Digital photographs can be inserted. Records are searchable by keywords as well as full text. A group of researchers who are designated as a team may record and obtain results, while a system of "firewalls" prevents access by researchers in other teams.

Using this electronic notebook, far-more-comprehensive records are now being kept with considerably less effort.