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How I use NotebookLM as my personal research assistant
Turn scattered sources into clear insights with NotebookLM.
This article is part of the eBook: Everyday AI guide: Practical genAI life hacks from real users, a free download from We Love Open Source.
Learning looks different for everyone. Some prefer reading, others doing, and some learn best by listening. One of my favorite methods is listening to podcasts. Google’s NotebookLM is an AI tool that helps summarize research and surface connections between topics, making multi-format learning easier and more interactive.
You can upload PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, Google Docs, and slides, or paste text directly into NotebookLM. AI analyzes the information, connecting insights to produce study guides, briefing documents, timelines, mind maps, FAQs, and even podcasts. You supply the materials, and NotebookLM organizes them for you, making complex topics approachable and easy to review.
For example, I recently researched hybrid SUVs for 2025. With so many options, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. I started with a quick internet search, but the results were overwhelming, so I turned to AI for help.
Using NotebookLM as personal research assistant
After opening NotebookLM, my first step was to create a new notebook and add my sources. I used the “Link” option to paste a list of websites on separate lines. The link option also supports YouTube links.
I gave the project a title and noticed that NotebookLM organizes your sources on the left, with a chat window in the center summarizing the content.
From there, I explored the Studio section to generate:
- Audio overview – a nearly 17-minute podcast-style summary of the research
- Mind map – visual representation of key information and connections
- Video overview – concise, visual walkthrough of the topic
- FAQ, briefing document, study guide, and timeline – all structured for quick comprehension
The mind map highlighted nuances I had overlooked, and the audio summary made it easy to absorb information while walking or driving. NotebookLM allows you to review, share, or export content seamlessly, supporting both visual and auditory learning styles.
I’ve also used NotebookLM to brainstorm writing ideas, plan projects, and explore new topics. Its intuitive interface and multi-format outputs make research more efficient and even enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring cars, coding frameworks, or educational topics, NotebookLM serves as a personal research assistant, synthesizing complex information into digestible insights. Available on iOS and Android, it makes learning truly portable.
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