Awards

Each year, the School of Information Sciences (SIS) identifies promising students, alumni and professionals to receive awards in honor of their professional and scholarly achievements. A recognition ceremony is held annually to recognize award winners for their work from the previous year and scholarship recipients for the upcoming year. The reception provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the school's outstanding students and alumni with donors, faculty, staff, friends and family.

Beta Phi Mu

High-achieving graduates of the school are eligible to be invited by the school's full-time faculty for membership in Beta Phi Mu, the international scholastic honor society for library and information science. The beta tau chapter was established at Wayne State University on August 1, 1978. Potentially-eligible students are contacted by the school in the spring of the year following their graduation to gauge their interest in being invited to join Beta Phi Mu. Eligibility is defined by the graduate school GPA (3.75 or better) and an assessment of the graduate's leadership potential. No more than 25 percent of the year's graduates may be invited to join Beta Phi Mu. Although the school's chapter, along with those of many other programs, was deactivated due to changes in IRS regulations on December 31, 2012, eligible graduates are invited to join the national association as members-at-large.

Patricia B. Knapp Award

Awarded each year to the graduating student who has demonstrated a high level of scholarship and shows promise of success in a career in library and information service. The recipient shall be selected on the basis of demonstrated scholastic achievement, evidence of research capability and professional commitment.

Distinguished Alumni Award

This award is presented to a SIS graduate who has made outstanding contributions to the library and information science field. It recognizes those who have achieved distinction in the profession based on job performance, service, publications or other relevant professional activity.

Professional Service Award

This award acknowledges Wayne State alumni and other individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the library/information community during their careers and have supported the School of Information Sciences. The Professional Service Award recognizes individuals who, for example, have been leaders in state, regional, and/or national professional associations, and/or have held leadership roles in activities related to their positions.

Annual Recognition Ceremony Program Archive

Programs from previous years' ceremonies can be viewed below.