Researchers and RDM staff often struggle to keep track of the diverse ELN software landscape in order to identify suitable tools for their laboratory or institution.

The web-based ELN Finder provides support by offering detailed information on numerous ELN products and enabling users to generate a tailored selection through filter criteria. After its launch in 2023, the portal was continuously expanded. With the second version of the metadata schema, 45 clearly structured filter criteria are now available. Additional contributors enriched the database with further tools, and best practice examples were implemented together with external partners.

The ELN Finder is organised by ZB MED. Its editorial team consists of numerous experts and users of ELN tools from all over Germany. The technical implementation as a web service is carried out by the University and State Library Darmstadt, based on the open source software DSpace.

Are you interested in further information about the ELN Finder or would you like to join the editorial team? Then visit our online information event!

Information at a glance

• What: Webinar on ELN Finder – A service for selecting an electronic laboratory notebook
• When: 20 January 2026, 1–2 p.m.
• Where: online via Zoom
• to the ELN Finder