Logbook2011 is an electronic logbook system for the management of a multiple-users central laboratory. Logbook was written by Dr. X.Z. Li in 2006 originally for Central Facility for Electron Microscopy (CFEM), NCMN, Univeristy of Nebraska. The software has been used in CFEM since 2006. It is proved to be very useful. Logbook2011 is an upgraded version of Logbook and is available now for anyone who need a portable software for laboratory management.

2. Design and usage

There are two programs in Logbook2011, one is for user registeration and the info modification of existed users, the other is the main program for logging registered users and their usage of equipment, the info is stored in files which can be used to prepare billing documents.

To register a new user, fill the info of the user and press [save]. A user ID is autoamatically generated using the user's name in a format of firstname(five letters).lastname(two letters).

To update an existed user, fill the user ID and press [find]. If the user ID is correct, the user info will be filled in the fields. You may do updates and save.

To use Logbook2011, i) select the equipment from the equipment list (an image of the equipement will appear); ii) press [login] and fill the user ID in a popup login dialog (user info will appear); iii) fill in the experimental conditions and the time for the usage of equipment and the service of specialist; iv) press [save] first and then [logout].

A file of service.txt is required which includes equipment name, equipment rate, specialist service rate. Images of equipment were built in Logbook2011.

A drawback of this system is the lack of a calendar for scheduling vs internet. The function will be included in next update.

3. Licence and availability

The demo version for testing can be downloaded from the download page, which is full functional programs, but limited to a maximum of three users in user list.

The equipment list and images can be customized into Logbook2011 program after puraching a licence. The program can be installed in one computer, or installed in multiple computers (e.g. in different rooms).