How do I create my first project and prompt in NotebookLM?

Questions

  • How do I create a project in NotebookLM?
  • How do I start a new notebook in Notebook LM?
  • Can I add sources to my NotebookLM and how?

Once you have signed into NotebookLM with your Bowdoin account, you can create your first notebook, upload sources, and begin interacting with your materials. The steps below walk you through the entire process.

Environment

  • All Bowdoin College faculty, staff, and students

Answer

Creating a New Notebook

  • From the NotebookLM home screen, select the ‘Create New Notebook’ button.

    NotebookLM Home Screen
     
  • A new, untitled notebook will open and prompt you to make some choices about your sources:

    Notebook LM Adding Sources

Adding Sources

Sources are the documents that NotebookLM will use to generate responses. You can add up to 50 sources per notebook.

  • In your new notebook, select the ‘Add Sources’ icon in the "Sources" panel on the left side of the screen.
  • Choose a source type from the available options:
    • Files (multiple formats including PDFs, images, docs, audio, spreadsheets etc).
    • Web URL — Paste a link to a publicly accessible web page.
    • Copied Text — Paste plain text directly into the source panel.
    • YouTube URL — Paste a link to a YouTube video with available captions.
  • After selecting or uploading your source, NotebookLM will process the document. Processing time depends on the size and number of sources. A brief summary of each source will appear in the "Sources" panel once processing is complete.

  • Repeat this process to add additional sources as needed.

Writing Your First Prompt

Once your sources have been processed, you can begin asking questions in the chat panel at the bottom of the screen.

  • Select the chat input field at the bottom of the notebook.
  • Type a question or instruction related to your uploaded sources. For example:
    • "Summarize the key findings from all of my uploaded sources."
    • "What are the main differences between the arguments in Source 1 and Source 2?"
    • "Create a list of discussion questions based on this reading."
    • "Explain the methodology described in the uploaded PDF in simpler terms."
  • Press ‘Enter’ or select the ‘Send’ button.
  • NotebookLM will generate a response drawn from your uploaded materials. Inline citations (numbered markers) will appear within the response. Select any citation number to view the specific passage from the original source.

Saving and Organizing Notes

  • After receiving a response you find useful, select the ‘Pin’ icon (or ‘Save to note’ option) on the response to save it as a note.
  • Saved notes appear in the ‘Notes’ panel on the right side of the screen.
  • You can also create your own notes by selecting ‘Add note’ in the "Notes" panel and typing directly.
  • To keep your notebook organized, give each note a clear and descriptive title.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.

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