Herbarium collections are the single most important source of information about the Earth's plant life, yet access to this information is often extremely difficult. Computerization of individual collections, and networking among computerized catalogs can provide enormous improvements in the quality and quantity of research involving plants. Dr. Robert Haynes of the University of Alabama proposes creation of a Southeastern Floral Information System (SERFIS), a prototype network among several herbaria in the southeast U.S. New technologies for capturing and processing data will be tested, and emerging data standards will be implemented in several herbarium databases in the region. Dr. Haynes will also explore various approaches to linking local databases into a wide-area network, accessible by outside investigators wishing to search the contents of several databases simultaneously. The proposed project will greatly accelerate the application of new computer technologies to botanical collections and biodiversity research. SERFIS will be a model for future development in the area of collection management and inter- institutional cooperation.
