NDU // ANALYST TOOLKIT

NotebookLM Gutting Framework v2.2

SYSTEM: GENERIC PROTOCOL

Purpose

The NDU Analyst Toolkit provides structured prompts for NotebookLM to help Senior Defense University students systematically analyze course readings using the "Gutting a Book" methodology. Each prompt is designed to produce rigorous, skeptical, executive-level analysis filtered through course-specific analytical lenses.

Design Principles

  • Syllabus First: Every analysis begins by extracting Learning Objectives and Issues for Consideration from the syllabus, then filters all output through those objectives.
  • 14-Header Framework: A standardized analytical template covering Document Identity, Content & Argument, Critical Evaluation, and Significance & Application.
  • Course-Specific Lenses: Each course applies persistent analytical frameworks (e.g., SAR uses acquisition process alignment; MSW uses Ends-Ways-Means; EMSO uses Triple Helix).
  • Batched Workflow: Readings are analyzed in batches of 3-5 to ensure comprehensive, untruncated output for each document.

The 14 Gutting Headers

Section#Header
A: Document Identity1Bibliographic Entry
2Author Authority
3Document Context
B: Content & Argument4Scope
5Thesis
6Content Summary
7Evidence
8Argument Structure
C: Critical Evaluation9Critique
10Blind Spots
D: Significance & Application11Importance
12Syllabus Alignment
13Connections
14Key Takeaways

Batched Workflow (v2.2)

The v2.2 workflow processes readings in manageable batches to prevent output truncation:

  1. Step 0 — Custom Role: Configure the AI persona in NotebookLM Chat Settings with course-specific analytical lenses.
  2. Step 1 — Preliminary: Inventory all readings, verify document integrity, and get batching recommendations.
  3. Step 2 — Gutting Batches: Analyze 3-5 readings per batch through the full 14-header framework. Repeat for each batch.
  4. Step 3 — Synthesis: Generate cross-reading synthesis with course-specific Framework Check and Issues for Consideration.
  5. Step 4 — Media (Optional): Generate Podcast, Video, or Slides overviews using NotebookLM Studio.

Quick Reference: Batch Sizing

Total ReadingsRecommended Batches
1-51 batch
6-102 batches
11-153 batches
16+4+ batches

Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
Output truncatedSet response length to "Longer" in Chat Settings
Gutting too shallowReduce batch size (3 readings instead of 5)
Missing readings flaggedCheck file uploaded; verify filename matches syllabus
OCR failedRe-process PDF with Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF24
Synthesis lacks depthEnsure GUTTING_FULL source is checked before running
Course lenses not appliedVerify Custom Role is set in Chat Settings

Version

v2.2 — January 2026 | Based on SAAS "Gutting a Book" methodology | Optimized for NotebookLM

0

Custom Role (Chat Settings)

Configure the AI persona in NotebookLM settings. This prompt establishes course-specific analytical lenses that persist across all interactions.

Custom Role 

            

        

    


    


    
    

        
1

        
Preliminary Analysis

        
Run first to inventory readings, check for missing/unreadable sources, and get batch recommendations.


        

            Sources to Check
            ☑ Lesson Syllabus    ☑ All Required Readings
        


        

            

                Preliminary
                
            

            

                

            

        


        

            Action
            
Copy output to Word doc. This becomes part of [XX]_GUTTING_FULL.

        

    


    


    
    

        
2

        
Gutting Batches

        
Run once per batch of 3-5 readings. Repeat as needed based on Preliminary recommendations.


        

            Sources to Check
            ☑ Lesson Syllabus    ☑ All Required Readings
        


        

            

                Gutting Batch
                
            

            

                

            

        


        

            Instructions
            
    
                
  • Replace a, b, c, d with actual reading letters from Preliminary.
    • 
                
  • Adjust batch size as recommended (3-5 readings per batch).
    • 
                
  • Copy each output to Word doc (append after previous batch).
    • 
                
  • After ALL batches complete: Paste full Word doc as NotebookLM text source → Name: [XX]_GUTTING_FULL
    • 
            

        

    


    


    
    

        
3

        
Synthesis

        
Generate cross-reading synthesis and Issues for Consideration analysis. The Framework Check section updates based on selected course.


        

            Sources to Check
            ☑ Lesson Syllabus    ☑ All Readings    ☑ [XX]_GUTTING_FULL note
        


        

            

                Synthesis
                
            

            

                

            

        


        

            Action
            
Copy output to Word doc (insert after Preliminary). Pin as note → Rename to [XX]_SYNTHESIS_CORE → Convert to source.

        

    


    


    
    

        
4

        
Media Generation (Optional)

        
Use NotebookLM Audio/Video Studio with these prompts after completing the workflow.


        

            Sources to Check
            ☑ [XX]_GUTTING_FULL    ☑ [XX]_SYNTHESIS_CORE

            Optional: Lesson Syllabus, Original Readings
        


        

            

                
                
                
            


            

                

                    

                        Podcast Overview
                        
                    

                    

                        

                    

                

            


            

                

                    

                        Video Overview
                        
                    

                    

                        

                    

                

            


            

                

                    

                        Slides Overview (Study Aid)