Using informal names within taxonomic datasets; a practical perspective
Charles Hussey, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK, e-mail c.hussey@nhm.ac.uk (presenter)
Dr Steve Wilkinson, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 1JY, UK, e-mail steve.wilkinson@jncc.gov.ukDrawing upon experience with the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (www.searchnbn.net) and Nature Navigator (www.nhm.ac.uk/naturenavigator) projects, we shall explore issues with using vernacular names and informal higher group names. The latter have proved useful for providing a browsing interface and for filtering and sorting results returned by a search. Informal group names are also useful for clarifying unfamiliar scientific names, and their use can improve accessibility.