NotebookLM Research Pattern

When to use

• Austin assigns a research corridor that involves a NotebookLM notebook
• Any research question that should be grounded in notebook sources
• Cross-referencing findings against curated notebook content

The Pattern

Step 1: Identify the corridor

ASK Austin which notebook. Never assume. Record the notebook URL.

Step 2: Write the prompts

For each research question:

1. Write the context isolation preface: "You are NOT talking about the same project. Focus ONLY on third-party sources. Do NOT rely on user-uploaded material."
2. Write the question — specific, one topic per question
3. Specify number of turns (default: 3 per topic)
4. Group related questions to use same session

Step 3: Create handoff file

Write prompts to research/gemini_handoff_{date}.md with:

• Context section (what Gemini needs to know)
• Numbered questions per notebook
• Output location (where to save responses)

Step 4: Track in notebooklm_brain.md

Update memory/notebooklm_brain.md with:

• Which notebook was queried
• What questions were asked
• Status (pending/complete)
• Date

Step 5: Audit returns

When Gemini saves results to research/:

• Read the research file
• Verify claims have citations
• Flag anything without a third-party source
• Consolidate key findings to relevant project brain's memory
• Update notebooklm_brain.md status

Rules

• NotebookLM MCP = orchestrator only (rule 10). No subagents.
• Gemini handles queries for now (native Google auth)
• Max 1-2 questions per query turn (more = compressed answers)
• Same session_id for follow-ups (builds context)
• Source hierarchy: arXiv → top-tier academic → open source GitHub