BETA PHI MU
Beta Phi Mu Eligibility
One of the purposes of Beta Phi Mu is to encourage scholastic attainment among library and information science students. The society promotes excellence in teaching and the development of better educational programs for distinguished service in the field of library and information professionals. To recognize distinguished service in the field of library and information science education, the society sponsors the Beta Phi Mu Award, which is conferred through the American Library Association. The ALA Handbook of Organization states that: "The nominations must be accompanied by a specific statement of the qualifications of the nominee. Supporting evidence or testimonials are welcomed." Nominations are sent to the appropriate committee chair whose name is available from the ALA offices. Deadline for nominations is usually December 1. The citation is not restricted to library and information school faculty, but may include anyone in or out of the profession who has made an outstanding contribution to education for library and information science through tools, methods, or classroom techniques. The award consists of a citation and a cash sum. The selection of the recipient is made by the American Library Association and the award is presented at the association's annual conference.
Membership in Beta Phi Mu, including the privileges
of voting, holding office, and chapter affiliation shall be granted
to: Candidates at any school 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:
(a) Completion of ALL requirements leading to a master's degree with
a scholastic average of no lower than 3.75 where A equals 4 points,
or
(b) 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 points.
The number of total eligible candidates cannot compromise more than
twenty-five percent of the annual graduating class. Recommendation for
membership should be made by the faculty of the school, attesting to
the student’s professional promise. Acceptance of invitation and
payment of fees can be made within five calendar years of the date of
the first invitation.
The School will submit all qualified student names to the honor society
in the fall semester.
FEES
The fee is $50.00 for lifetime membership and a subscription to the
national newsletter. Members may wish to affiliate with the Beta Phi
Mu chapter initiating them or with a chapter where they are residing.
INFORMATION
Information concerning the work of Beta Phi Mu or eligibility for membership
should be addressed to the national headquarters: F. William Summers,
Executive Secretary, Beta Phi Mu, School of Library and Information
Studies, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2048. Or send
e-mail to beta_phi_mu@lis.fsu.edu
