The Notebook Conundrum

Recently, I’ve been thinking about how people work with notebooks vs computers. The behaviours are quite different in my experience thus far and it represents an interesting challenge for knowledge/records/information management. Often when I attend lectures or such events (sidebar: the lecture is a still a worthy medium for those who know how to use it. For some good examples on a variety of topics, check out TVO’s series Big Ideas; you can download lectures for free there), I often take notes in a Moleskine notebook such as the one depicted above. Occasionally, those handwritten notes will get references for something I write on the computer. I may not reference the material again but the act of taking notes helps me work through the material and learn it. Based on conversations with other people, I get the sense that many people continue to operate with paper and digital systems.

Given the above information habits, how can one apply knowledge/information/records management to paper notes, journals and other materials? I’ve been consulting with a few colleagues and scanning seems to be a popular option. I can certainly appreciate that as one good way to go. However, I also think that hard questions need to be asked about the value of the notes. If the notes are for background needed to create or contribute to something else, then their value can be tied to that output. For example, let’s say that your organization provides funding to send you to professional conferences but on the condition you submit a report describing how the conference benefited you. Your handwritten notes from conference sessions could prove very valuable in producing the report but they may not be needed after that. In other contexts, regulatory or legal requirements may necessitate keeping everything to document how decisions are made. Thinking about this topic has underscored the importance of being comprehensive in looking at how people manage, use, record and access information.

The importance of observing information habits is the secondary purpose of this post. It is crucial to stay informed (and thoughtful!) about information habits. How do people in your organization track their schedule? Are they using paper datebooks, Outlook or something else? What about meetings? Do people take notes? I would also highlight the importance of looking at how people choose to learn. I suspect you will find a combination of paper and digital preferences. I often prefer to read in paper while on public transit, trains or planes but prefer digital when I have sustained and comfortable access to my computer and the Internet.

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