[The application of interactive multimedia software in taxonomy and biological diversity studies]

To study biodiversity and to monitor changes in our biological environment high quality taxonomic and distributional data are imperative. At present access to species information and identification keys is limited by the fact that literature is scattered over a vast amount of sources. Exchange of biodiversity data between various researchers is hampered by the lack of universal documentation tools. The introduction of PC's in biological sciences rendered thousands of small and medium sized databases in hundreds of different incompatible formats. Modern multimedia computer techniques, allowing nearly unlimited storage of graphic information in addition to text, will facilitate distribution of easy accessible data. The Linnaeus II software package for biodiversity documentation is an answer to these needs as it presents a universal tool for biologists to document biodiversity and exchange standardized data. Regularly updated electronic monographs on CD-ROM will form the basis for modern, fast accessible libraries.