COMPUTER‐BASED DATA BANKING FOR TAXONOMIC COLLECTIONS

Abstract

Summary The criteria for an efficient system for data‐banking are reviewed. The efficiency is seen in the light of the problems of modest computer facilities, reducing the time for data capture, and having the simplest operating procedures that can meet most of the likely demands of the user. A program‐package developed to meet these criteria is described. The data are primarily those associated with specimen labels. Several directory files are used for abbreviated codings to give record compression. A simple system of instructions is used to retrieve records with desired characteristics and from them to give results in a variety of forms, including ordered listings with frequencies and geographical distribution maps. Full checking and editing facilities, with corrective error‐messages, are available for all critical operations. Experience with the system suggests a favourable cost/benefit relationship for work with special collections.