Computer generated keys & interactive keys

[Gary Noonan]

        I would appreciate receiving information about peoples' experience
with computer generated keys and interactive keys. I'm preparing a symposium
proposal  on computer and software resources for improving and speeding
systematic studies of insects. The proposal is being sent to the
Entomological Society of America for its December 1996 meetings in
Louisville, Kentucky. Preliminary information must be at the Society by
March 1. At the moment I have a slot simply labeled as " Computer generated
keys and interactive keys".
         Discussions with fellow entomologists suggest that workers are
interested in computer generated and interactive keys but that not many
North American studies have been completed in entomology using such
technology. Several  North American entomologists are part way through
monographs that will use such technology.
         Some colleagues have commented that they and their institution
simply can't afford the $400 for first user at an institution, $100 for
additional users at an institution, $20 for manual, $10 for learning guide,
$20 handling fee for manual or disks. Colleagues have suggested that the
pricing structure is keeping people from using the program and is especially
expensive for smaller institutions. Do Taxacom readers have any pricing
information for competitive products?
         Speaking of competitive products, have readers any experiences that
they could send me? Do any North American readers have in depth knowledge of
Delta or competitive programs? I'm looking for suggestions as to a speaker
for the open slot in the proposal. A colleague who is part way through a
project using Delta is willing to speak but suggested I ask first for
suggestions about researchers who have completed projects using Delta.
Available funding might restrict speaker selection to North America.
         My impression is that botanists are using Delta and various other
programs while most entomologists haven't yet done so.
         Any relevant comments and suggestions will be much appreciated.
Many thanks.


  *************************************************************
  * Gary Noonan, Curator of Insects, Milwaukee Public Museum  *
  * 800 W. Wells,  Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 USA             *
  * and Adjunct Associate Professor of Zoology, University of *
  * Wisconsin-Milwaukee carabid at mpm1.mpm.edu                  *
  * voice (414) 278-2762  fax (414) 223-1396                  *
  *************************************************************