Ever wonder about the specific protocols used to conduct a research experiment? The platform protocols.io seeks to address this by providing an open access repository for research methods. The platform allows researchers to share vital details of procedures used in their experiments and provides persistent, citable identifiers for laboratory protocols.

The site allows free access to their repository of public protocols and users can create free accounts that will allow them to share their own protocols. Experiment procedures can be inputted into protocols.io as a succession of “steps”. This can be simple directions or may also include detailed notes or images.

Once fully entered on the platform, a protocol can be run so that its different steps will appear sequentially as an experiment is run. This feature is also available on mobile devices to enable researchers to follow along from their bench. The site also allows registered users to post comments on steps within any public protocol, allowing users to ask questions and suggest variations or possible improvements.

Protocols can be adjusted at anytime without losing the original methodology as the site archives each version making them available to users.

Users of protocols.io can also develop profiles to provide information about their research interests and publications, as well as link to their ORCiD number to facilitate access to their work. The platform protocols.io uses a freemium model so users do have the option of subscribing to a premium account that give access to additional features such as private user groups.

Megan Wilson, Research & Instruction Librarian, Murray State University

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