Beta Phi Mu (Phi Chapter) Records

Collection

Identifier: U391

Staff Only

Abstract

Collection contains the records from the Phi chapter of Beta Phi Mu, honor society for library and information science, at the University of Denver. Society membership is by invitation to individuals who complete the requirements for a master's degree (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited school and achieve at least a 3.75 (out of 4.0) GPA. No more than 25% of any graduating class can be invited to join and candidates are generally recommended by school faculty. Individuals can also apply directly for a professional membership with Beta Phi Mu if they meet the requirements.

Dates

1956-2005

Biographical / Historical

Beta Phi Mu is the international honor society for library and information science. Beta Phi Mu was founded in 1948 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Beta Phi Mu name comes from the initials in the Greek phrase Bibliothekarios philax mathesis meaning "the librarian is the guardian of knowledge". The Beta Phi Mu insignia, the dolphin and anchor, is the mark of the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius, who dedicated his life to making Greek and Latin classics accessible. The motto aliis inserviendo consumor translated from Latin means "consumed in the service of others".

The Phi chapter at University of Denver was installed in 1970, though DU library school graduates were being invited to join Beta Phi Mu professionally as early as the 1950s. The Phi chapter was active and inducting new member graduates until at least 2005, but is no longer active at DU.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (standard record box)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

Collection contains these folders: awards, bylaws and constitutions, chapter petition and founding members, chapter roll, correspondence folders (7) by date from 1956-1985, elections and officers, events, forms and letterhead, initiates, initiation ritual, meeting minutes and agendas, membership cards, newsletters, press, publications, questionnaire to members (1978) and treasurer's reports.