History

Beta Phi Mu, an international library and information science honor society, was established at the Graduate School of Library Science (now the School of Information Sciences), University of Illinois, in 1948. Today there are over 31 active chapters of the organization.

The Greek letters of Beta Phi Mu signify that "Libraries are the guardians of knowledge.” The dolphin and anchor insignia of the organization represents the printer's mark of Aldus Manutius (1450-1515), a Venetian printer whose press made classical manuscripts available to scholars. To further illustrate the service concept of the society, the motto became: I am consumed in serving others.

Throughout its existence, the international organization has sponsored professional and scholarly activities. Beta Phi Mu has awarded scholarships for degree programs and continuing education. Through the American Library Association, an annual award is made to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to library and information education. Five iSchool faculty members have received this award: the late Rolland E. Stevens was the first iSchool recipient;  Kathryn Luther Henderson received the award in 1993, Donald W. Krummel in 1999, Linda Smith in 2004, and Emily Knox in 2023. A publications program has been pursued over the years by the international organization.

Local chapters carry out many special projects such as programs for their membership, local scholarship awards, emergency funding and mentoring programs. Alpha Chapter at UIUC makes two annual awards to the people who, by vote of the faculty, is considered the most outstanding graduating students. Programs for the local library and information science community are also a part of the local chapter's contribution to scholarly endeavors.