Digitization and Curation of Mussel Species: Fauna of Indiana

Abstract

Several surveys were conducted on freshwater mussels in the Blue River and its tributaries by students of IUS under the supervision of Dr. Claude D. Baker and Dr. Bill J. Forsyth between 1973-1997. This impressive collection containing over 36 species of freshwater mussels has been housed in the Life Sciences building for over 40 years, yet this data has not been analyzed or shared with the public until now. We are currently cataloging, digitizing, and researching this mussel collection. We are also documenting all relevant documents such as time, date, coordinates of collection for public outreach.