University of South Carolina (McKissick Museums, Univ. of South Carolina)

The McKissick Museum will inventory and catalog 5,000 mineral and fossil specimens uncovered during an earlier IMLS-funded collections management project, including specimens collected during the 19th century. The museum will also address safety concerns associated with caring for and managing a sizeable collection of more than 600 radioactive specimens. The collection is important both for its scientific value and its historic role in early college and university science education. Museum staff will work with an advisory committee to plan research, collaborative projects, and methods of sharing information through educational programs, exhibits, and web-based programs.