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Pi Lambda Sigma Collection

An inventory of its collection at the Syracuse University Archives

Summary

Creator: Pi Lambda Sigma.
Title: Pi Lambda Sigma Collection
Dates: 1903-1959
Size: 3 boxes (2.25 linear foot)
Abstract: The Pi Lambda Sigma Collection contains secretary's books, membership records, correspondence and other materials related to its members and ceremonies at Syracuse University.
Language: English
Repository: University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Historical Note

Pi Lambda Sigma was an honor society for library science founded at Syracuse University in 1903 and was incorporated in 1914. When it was founded, Pi Lambda Sigma was a social fraternity, but it later became an honorary in 1927. Because of some restructuring in the School of Library Science, the honor society became a graduate organization in 1934. It is known for being the oldest library honor society. In 1959, the honorary became affiliated with the national organization Beta Phi Mu, becoming the Pi Lambda Sigma Chapter. Beta Phi Mu at Syracuse University is still active today.

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Scope and Content Note

This collection contains materials from its founding in 1903 until it became affiliated with Beta Phi Mu in 1959. In the collection are membership records, signatures from initiates, the original incorporation certificate and initiation materials. Also included are secretary's books, which contain minutes and membership records as well as correspondence dealing with members and its routine business.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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Related Material

The Archives holds additional materials related to Pi Lambda Sigma in the Clippings File.

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Selected Search Terms

Names

Beta Phi Mu.
Pi Lambda Sigma.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

Greek letter societies.
Higher education.

Types of material

Minute books.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Pi Lambda Sigma Collection,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Syracuse University reference librarian Marion Mullen transferred the majority of materials in this collection to the Archives in 1965.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in archival folders and boxes.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Anna Smallwood
Date: 2016
Revision history:

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Arrangement

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order.

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Inventory

Collection
Box 2 Alumni Membership Cards 1959
Box 2 Blue and White Initiation Ribbons undated
Box 1 Certificate of Incorporation June 4, 1914 (oversize)
Box 2 Clippings 1937-1955
Box 2 Constitutions 1934-1935
Box 2 Correspondence - Accepting Membership 1945, 1957
Box 2 Correspondence - General 1933-1959
Box 2 Correspondence - Merger with Beta Phi Mu 1958
Box 2 Correspondence - New Members and Initiation Ceremony 1954-1959
Box 2 Event Programs 1923
Box 2 History 1935-1938
Box 2 Initiation Ceremony Procedures undated
Box 2 List of Members 1903-1938
Box 2 Membership Signatures 1935-1959
Box 2 Membership Signatures and Constitution 1903-1922
Box 3 Secretary's Book 1909-1917
Box 3 Secretary's Book 1918-1925
Box 3 Secretary's Book 1927-1959

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