How to apply information management system to track and manage entire workflow-driven procedure of sample collection, processing, storage and distribution, and how to characterize biological samples with associated information, are two imperative components of best operation and management in a biobank. Moving from concept to practice, biobanking in China has survived several challenges when researchers first realized the quality of stored samples could have great impact on the quality of research, followed by facing the challenge that banked samples have limited usability. That is the third issue since samples lack annotation with associated information from clinical and other resources. This issue challenges scientists to determine if samples are appropriate for answering a given scientific questions. It turns out to be a waste of time and money by banking large accumulation of samples if the issues are not solved. Sample holds little value itself without associated clinical and other information. It is only a transit form before the biological data reflecting health or disease status can be extracted throughout multiple ways. By following the biomarkers and related indicators in samples, scientists can discover the dynamic changing set from health to disease, followed by recovery after treatment or medical intervention. It is an important role and aim of a biobank to maximize the value of biological samples. To do so, it is essential to fully utilize banked samples appropriately to extract the value it holds. It is a must to know samples in term of biological sense. Therefore, quality, annotation and usability become three key elements in term of effective and efficient values of a biobank. In summary, information management and sample annotation would be the key to the quality and valuable resources for research.