Progress in the computerization of herbarium procedures

Abstract

Herbarium automation projects at Cape Town (A. V. Hall), Notre Dame (T. J. Crovello), Harvard (L. I. Nevling), Ottawa (J. H. Soper), Brisbane (S. L. Everist) and the British Antarctic Survey (D. M. Greene) as well as the proposed system at New York (G. T. Prance) are described in detail. It is found that data are coded for projects involving small numbers o f specimens while, for large systems, data are entered uncoded where possible. It is noted that not one automation projecthas failed and that all users were enthusiastic about the future o f such operations.The need for a large system in South Africa is outlined and the uses to which it could be put are listed. The system planned for use is briefly described.