E-notebooks and digital note taking for research - approaches and best practices

The purpose of this BoF session is to open a collaborative dialogue between attendees around the implementation of digital note-taking tools in research. Digital notetaking tools include Microsoft OneNote and DotMatics LabArchives and do not extend to computing notebooks like Jupyter Notebook. We will explore the role of digital note-taking tools in enhancing research productivity, collaboration, data security, adoption, and identifying key capabilities that allow adherence to responsible and compliant research principles. The digital note-taking tools utilised by the group will be discussed, with an interdisciplinary perspective. Our objective is to share insights, learn from experience from other users, and collectively improve our research support. The BoF will involve sharing insights from our group which will then lead into interactive facilitated discussions for peer-to-peer learning covering these key topics: 1. Strategically rolling out, promoting, and establishing digital notebooks as functional research tools. 2. Tool options gathering requirements and understanding benefits for researchers and for institutions. 3. Best practices support for users and integration into interdisciplinary workflows. This BoF is aimed at those involved in the delivery and support of research tools, data stewards, product managers, administrators, library staff as well as researchers. Participants involved in the session can expect to come out with: - An understanding of how digital notetaking can be integrated in research workflows and general record-keeping. - Awareness on what to consider for a compliant and adhering digital notetaking tool. - Smarter strategies for rolling-out to users and increasing adoption.