Beta Phi Mu

International honor society for library and information science

"The first link in the chain"

Beta Phi Mu (BPM), 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.Today there are 38 active chapters of the organization, and more than 30,000 individuals have become members.

Beta Phi Mu first initiation, 1948
Beta Phi Mu first initiation, 1948


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.

Only graduates of the MSLIS program are eligible for membership in Beta Phi Mu. For more information, visit the Alpha Chapter at Illinois website.