Frequently Asked Questions

What is LabArchives?

LabArchives is a secure, cloud-based Electronic Research Notebook (ERN) application enabling researchers to create, store, share, and manage their research data. LabArchives provides a flexible, extensible platform that can be customized to match a research lab’s workflow, providing benefits to principle investigators, lab managers and staff, post-doctoral fellows, and all students.

Who is eligible for an account?

All faculty, students and staff with a valid ASUriteID are eligible. External collaborators can be added.

What advantages can LabArchives provide?

LabArchives improves research information management. All research data and information can be organized and managed in one space that is:

  • Searchable: using keywords, tags and even by the contents of your ERN files.
  • Seamless: Files, photos and documents can be moved directly into ERNs and stored.
  • Accessible: because the cloud-based platform can be accessed anywhere, anytime from PCs, iOS and Android devices not only by ASU personnel, but by your research group and collaborators.
  • Protected: by intellectual property, data security, and compliance functions.

How will I access my notebooks if there is a connectivity issue?

LabArchives has a record of high availability across higher education institutions and industry. However, all web-based services are dependent on Internet connectivity. Therefore, it is recommended that you establish a backup strategy that can include exporting and archiving notebooks (both PDF and HTML formats are options). Note that these are good backup strategies even if no outages occur.

What browser/operating systems are supported?

LabArchives can be used by Windows, Mac, Android and Linux operating systems.

LabArchives should be used with the following browsers:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox ESR
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge

Are there version controls?

All data entered into LabArchives is date and time stamped with the user who completed the action recorded as well. The timestamp is generated by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard time. Each action (e.g., addition, deletion or revision) has a unique timestamp, and previous versions can be viewed.

Can I use LabArchives from a mobile device?

Yes. See this section in the LabArchives KnowledgeBase for more details.

Does LabArchives integrate with MS Office?

Yes. LabArchives integrates directly with Microsoft Office applications and Office Online using plugins. These plugins allow Office applications to open and save files directly into a LabArchives notebook. See this section in the LabArchives KnowledgeBase for information on the Mac plugin or the Windows plugin.

Does LabArchives offer electronic signatures?

Yes, and once signed, those pages are no longer editable. LabArchives is also 21 CFR Part 11 compliant for files under 250 MB in size. More information can be found here in the LabArchives KnowledgeBase.

Where will my data be stored?

LabArchives hosts all of its software and customer data at Amazon data centers located in two regions: the primary is U.S. East (Virginia) and their failover is U.S. West (Oregon).

What is the maximum file size?

The maximum file size for upload is 4GB. Larger files can be stored elsewhere and link from an notebook entry.

Can I transfer data from my former institution?

Yes. If you need assistance, please contact [email protected].

Can I retain my data when I leave ASU?

You can create an offline version of your notebook in formats such as PDF or HTML. You can find information on transferring ownership of notebooks in the LabArchives KnowledgeBase. If you need assistance, please contact [email protected].

Can I store Protected Health Information (PHI) in LabArchives?

See our data considerations page for further information on data management and security. Consult with your department’s local service provider for further guidance.

Do you have additional guidance on data considerations?

See the data considerations page for further information on data management and security.