Lab notebook
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A laboratory notebook, commonly referred to as lab notebook, lab book, lab notes or sometimes lad notepad is a paper notebook used to write down and record lab research, including procedure, results, observations.
While lab notebooks are commonly paper notebooks, electronic tablets or other recording medium can also be used. However, due to the corrosive nature of the lab environment which may damage electronics, paper notebooks are generally preferred. Paper notebooks also do not require a power source.
Contents
Structure
Classic
Most convenient lab notebook used for writing down experiments is the type with grid pages, though blank page notebook can also be used. All experiments must be dated, with the date being noted in the upper page, usually right corner.
Agendas can also be used as lab notebooks.
Electronic
For electronic lab books, MS Word files are the most convenient.
Other
While video and audio recording are an attractive alternative to written notes, there's usually too much unnecessary data from the aforementioned methods.
Legal considerations
It's recommended to record all your experiments in a lab notebook, in the event of a police visit, to prove that you're doing experimental science and not something else.
