Hi Conch-Lers,

I am relatively new to Conch-L and have certainly been enjoying the
variety of topics which are discussed. I very much appreciated being able
to take advantage of Jordan Star's tape offer.  During the past two years
I have had the opportunity to collect "beach" shells in Sanibel,
Florida; Ocracoke, North Carolina; Assateague, Virginia; Chatam, Mass; and
Wells, Maine.  I'm looking forward to organizing and cataloguing my
collection more professionally.

I have recently salvaged three large metal cabinets which will serve as a
good start to organizing my collection.  Abbott's Field Guide recommends
storing shells in small cardboard or plastic boxes within the cabinet
drawers.  I have a few questions:

1)  Are cardboard or plastic boxes preferred for storage?

2)  Can anyone recommend a cost-effective source for the preferred storage
vehicle?

3)  For those who have catalogued their collection on the computer, what
type of software do you use; Access?, Excell?, something else?

4)  Does anyone have suggestions for someone just beginning the shell
organizing and cataloguing process?  I'd really like to start off on the
right foot?

Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide for me!!!!

Martha in Massachusetts