LabArchives

LabArchives is an electronic laboratory notebook that can help you organize and manage your research safely and quickly.

The University of Rochester has selected LabArchives as our institution-wide, electronic lab notebook solution. Researchers at UR can access LabArchives free of charge to manage both research labs and laboratory courses. Our team at UR Libraries’ can provide more information, help you get set-up in the platform, and troubleshoot any issues you encounter. We also facilitate regular training sessions for the platform provided directly from the experts at LabArchives.

Getting Started

• Go to LabArchives, select the University of Rochester on the drop-down list and you will be directed to sign-in with your active directory credentials.
• Use the web interface. For mobile devices, use the LabArchives mobile app.
• Attend one of LabArchives regular introductory training sessions or read their extensive knowledgebase and quick start guides.
• Reach out to UR Libraries’ for any questions, support, or getting started with the platform.

LabArchives Features

• Organize your research and make your notebook searchable
• Backup your research work on the cloud
• Share your research or keep your work secure using LabArchives’ access controls
• Add DOIs and make your work citable

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to use LabArchives?
No, LabArchives is opt-in.

What is the cost?
LabArchives is free to use for University of Rochester faculty, staff, and students.

Are there LabArchives trainings?
Yes, UR Libraries provides training for individuals, small groups, and labs. Please email us at dataservices@library.rochester.edu to set up training.

Will you allow sensitive data, restricted data, confidential data, Personal Health Information (PHI), Identifiable health information (IHI), deidentified health information, or Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulated data in LabArchives?
No.  Personal Health Information (PHI), Identifiable health information (IHI), deidentified health information, or Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulated data should be stored in Box or another university approved data storage service and linked to LabArchives.

Is there a max amount of data that I can store?
No, unlimited storage is available, and you can create as many notebooks as you like. The maximum file size that can be uploaded is 16GB. For files that are larger than 16GB you can link the file from another storage location. Contact University Libraries’ at dataservices@library.rochester.edu to understand other data storage options available to UR researchers.

Who can answer additional questions about data storage?
You can contact University Libraries at dataservices@library.rochester.edu for any additional questions about data storage within LabArchives or learn about other options.

Who can access my notebook(s)?
Owners of lab notebooks have full administrative control, including what is shared, with whom, and what they are allowed to view and edit within your notebook. If you share your notebook outside of UR, it is your responsibility to ensure that the recipients follow the appropriate policies and have the appropriate data sharing agreement in place. Contact library staff dataservices@library.rochester.edu for information on data sharing agreements.

How can I give collaborators access to my content?
You can give UR and non-UR people read-only or edit access to your notebook or parts of your notebook via their email address. When you add them, a link will be emailed to them.  Here are detailed instructions for sharing your content.

Can I export information from my notebook?
Yes, you can export the entire notebook or any portion of a notebook as a PDF. You can also choose to create on offline notebook which creates a zip drive with HTML files for the notebook and a directory of attachments.

Can I share my notebooks publicly through Share URL or through DOI?
Yes, you can choose to share your data publicly. PIs are responsible for following any data use agreements or funder requirements when sharing publicly.

What happens to my notebook(s) when I graduate (student) or if I leave UR (employee)?
Before your departure, we recommend reviewing ORPA’s guidelines on PIs leaving the organization. You can transfer ownership to another UR researcher if they would like the notebook to continue being updated accessed. You can also export the notebook as a PDF.

I'm new to UR and have used LabArchives at another institution. Can I transfer my data?
Yes, UR allows data to be transferred as long as your previous institution allows this. Please contact the libraries for support at dataservices@library.rochester.edu.