Geographical then alphabetical would be a good way to see if you have repeats with different names from the same area. 

If you put in alphabetical only then you won't be able to compare shells from that location.

You can use a check list based on books or from internet to see which ones you are missing. 

I 've made a list with all Olividae we ever had for sale - of course there must be some errors and synonyms (I have records from the 80's here), lots of missing species too, but is something to start with.  

http://www.wonderphotos.com/shellphotos/olividae.xls


Marcus



-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Scot Lewis
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2014 12:57 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] Olividae sorting method

So now that I am now approaching 2000 specimen of Olividae, I am thinking of re-organizing. How do you think is the best way...Geographical, Sub-genus, or?? I have a big task ahead and wanted to get the input of all the fine minds and experienced professionals that are here on this fine forum. I am roughly Geographical now, but I find it difficult to see what I have or have not, meaning, there are several rare species (forms) I don't have, but it is difficult to sort it all out. I use Filemaker for cataloging my collection, and certainly can search for a species (form), but I would like to find an easier way to know what I am missing without just perusing the literature and going "Oh, I don't have that one." All input welcome. By the way, I am just a private collector doing this on my own time. Sadly, no staff to help!

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------