Beta Phi Mu
The International Library & Information Studies Honor Society
Overview
Beta Phi Mu, the library and information studies honor society, was founded at the University of Illinois in August, 1948 by a group of leading librarians and library educators to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students.
In 1969, Beta Phi Mu was formally admitted to membership in the Association of College Honor Societies. In 1997, Beta Phi Mu became affiliated with the American Library Association.
Our motto, Aliis inserviendo consumor, meaning "Consumed in the service of others" was selected by the founders based on the concept of dedication of librarians and other information professionals to the service of others.
For further information, visit the Beta Phi Mu website: http://www.beta-phi-mu.org/.
Beta Iota Chapter (1976-present)
The Beta Phi Mu chapter at the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, is known as "Beta Iota". The purpose of this chapter is to recognize high scholarship in the study of librarianship. See Members of the Beta Iota Chapter.
Membership
Over 28,000 graduates of accredited library and information studies programs in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have been initiated into Beta Phi Mu.
Regular membership, including the privileges of voting, holding office, and chapter affiliation, shall be granted to candidates at any college or university where the American Library Association has accredited a professional degree program, all other programs offered under the direction of the same faculty, and who fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of ALL requirements leading to a master's degree with a scholastic average of no lower than 3.75 where A equals 4.0, or
- Completion of planned programs of advanced study beyond the master's degree which require full time study for one or more academic years with a scholastic average of 3.75 where A equals 4.0.
No more than twenty-five percent of the annual graduating class may be invited. Invitations to membership are based upon academic eligibility and a faculty assessment of candidates' professional leadership potential. There is not an application process and there is no time limit for acceptance of invitation.
Dues
Each initiate into regular membership shall pay to the Beta Iota Chapter as a condition of initiation a fee in an amount determined by the Executive Board. Currently that fee is $100.
