Bryophyte specimen organization and storage systems: A comparative assessment of staff practices and user preferences

Abstract

Abstract. Discussions of curation practices for bryophyte collections have a long history in the literature dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. This study aims to 1) document and synthesize the range of bryophyte storage and organization systems staff report using in European and North American herbaria, as well as the rationale behind these practices; 2) compare/contrast these practices and rationale with the curation preferences and rationale of active herbarium users; and 3) facilitate further discussion regarding practices for curating bryophyte collections. We collected survey data regarding staff curation practices at and user curation preferences for bryophyte collections in Europe and North America. We used regression models and thematic analysis to analyze our quantitative data and qualitative data, respectively. We found that institutional demographics, such as geographic location, institution type, and total herbarium size are significant predictors of bryophyte specimen storage and organization practices, and that user demographics, such as age, active bryology research agenda, and current primary title were significant predictors of the storage preferences of herbarium users. The most common theme that emerged in the practice/preference explanations of staff members and herbarium users was convenience/accessibility. Other prevalent themes in staff and user explanations for their bryophyte curation practices/preferences include physical factors, inherited tradition, lack of expertise, and phylogenetic/taxonomic concerns. Our findings also suggest the context in which members of the bryological community operate plays a significant role in shaping individuals' curation practices/preferences, including both institutional and user demographics. We conclude by offering a discussion of recommendations for bryophyte specimen storage and organization at herbaria.