Beta Phi Mu | Beta Omega Chapter | Chapter officers | 2011 Initiates
Beta
Phi Mu, the library
and information science honor society, was founded
at the University of Illinois in August, 1948 by a
group of leading librarians and library educators.
Aware of the notable achievements of honor societies
in other professions, they believed that such a society
would have much to offer librarianship and library
education. The first imitation was held in the spring
of 1949 at the University of Illinois. The society
was ably served by Rolland Stevens as first President
and Harold Lancour as first Executive Secretary. Its
significance was recognized in 1968 when Beta Phi Mu
was formally admitted to membership in the Association
of College Honor Societies.
Beta Phi Mu has chosen as its motto
Aliis
inserviendo consumor, meaning "Consumed in the
service of others."
The insignia of Beta Phi
Mu is the dolphin and anchor, mark of the Venetian printer,
Aldus Manutius. Not only did Aldus strive to create beautiful
editions of the Greek and Latin Classics, but he dedicated
his life to making his works accessible to many. Gold
and Black keys and pins bearing the Beta Phi Mu insignia
are available to members from the national office of
Beta Phi Mu.
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Please reconnect with us!
If you were inducted
as a member of the Beta Omega chapter and would like to receive
news or participate in our chapter activities, please send
your contact information to
srathbun@mailbox.sc.edu
Beta Omega Chapter
In September 1980, Dr. Martha
Jane Zachert began the series of events, which eventually led
to the creation of the Beta Omega Chapter of Beta Phi Mu at the
University of South Carolina. To establish the chapter, ten members
of the national Beta Phi Mu living in the Columbia area petitioned
the executive council. In 1981, those petitions and other documents,
including a letter of approval from Dean F. William Summers,
were submitted to the Beta Phi Mu executive council. When the
council next met, they approved the application unanimously.
In 1982, Dan Barron, faculty representative, Beta Omega Steering
Committee, sent a letter to the College of Librarianship alumni
announcing the charter approval, as well as plans for the charter
installation ceremonies for past graduates of the college with
national membership in Beta Phi Mu. The installation ceremonies
were held in Currell College on May 22, 1982.
Bob Noe, Beta Omega's first elected
president, organized the first initiation of new members in June
1983. To encourage scholarship and library service, Beta Omega
co-sponsors the Dean's Lectures and sponsors a scholarship for
currently enrolled library school students. Beta Omega initiates
new members each spring.
Beta Omega Chapter Officers
(l to r) Kristen Lawson, Jenny Dilworth, Crystal
Johnson, and
Susan Rathbun-Grubb. (Not pictured) Denise Lyons
| President: |
Kristen
Lawson |
| Vice-President: |
Crystal Johnson |
| Secretary: |
Denise Lyons |
| Treasurer: |
Jenny Dilworth |
| Faculty Advisor: |
Dr. Susan Rathbun-Grubb |
