LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim Thursday, April 12, 2012, as Library Assistants' Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those community based organizations which unselfishly devote their ener-
gy, resources and thoughtful care on behalf of improving the quality and
character of life in that community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Thursday, April 12, 2012, as
Library Assistants' Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Library Week, April 8-14, 2012; and
WHEREAS, There are approximately 7,656 libraries of all types in New
York State and over 14,437 staff members other than librarians according
to the most recent data available; and
WHEREAS, New York State Library Assistants' Association (NYSLAA) is an
organization whose roots began in 1977 at the first ever "library cler-
ical conference" in New York State; this state organization was estab-
lished by library assistants to promote and enhance the professional
image and status of New York State's library assistant; to further their
professional growth; to provide a network for communication to the
members and the profession on library and library assistant issues; and
to network and cooperate with library organizations on local, state,
national and international levels; and
WHEREAS, From these humble beginnings, NYSLAA has grown as an inde-
pendent organization, with close to 450 members; it is run by library
assistants, for library assistants; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, the NYSLAA has added many other benefits
to its members, including a quarterly newsletter, scholarships, regional
workshops, a listserv, awards, and the Certificate of Achievement
program; and
WHEREAS, The Certificate of Achievement is NYSLAA's most distinctive
program; in 1992, the NYSLAA conducted a membership survey which
included questions about certification for library assistants; 78% of
those responding indicated they favored a voluntary program; as the
professional association of library assistants in New York State, NYSLAA
is the appropriate body to administer such program; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, a majority of library assistants attending the
NYSLAA Annual Conference indicated that the NYSLAA should work on a
voluntary program; a draft of the program was presented to focus groups
of library assistants and library administrators for their input; a two
year pilot program was approved by the NYSLAA Executive Council and
implemented in January 1995; the first eight applicants received their
certificates at the 1995 NYSLAA Annual Conference held in Buffalo, New
York; and
WHEREAS, This program is designed to recognize the involvement and
contributions of career-oriented library assistants and to acknowledge
their support of libraries and the library profession; for the purposes
of this program, a library assistant is defined as a library worker who
does not hold a position as a librarian; and
WHEREAS, Library assistants support the mission of libraries by
providing important patron and support services; they promote personal
development through professional involvement; they share concerns about
issues facing the library profession and work with others in addressing
them; through this program, library assistants demonstrate a continuing

commitment to their work; library assistant service is recognized by
library professionals and administrators as a valid career choice; and
WHEREAS, NYSLAA 2012 Executive Council members are: President, Sally
McMaster, University of Rochester; Vice-President, Ruth V. Oberg, SUNY
Buffalo; Treasurer, Kathryn Riedener, Pioneer Library System; Corre-
sponding Secretary, Donna Kuhner, Gloversville Public Library; Member-
ship Secretary, Donna Hanna, Milne Library; and Recording Secretary,
Coleen Hopkins, Milne Library; and
WHEREAS, Standing Committee members include: Public Relations, Ruth
Mason, Guernsey Memorial Library; Certificate of Achievement Review
Board Coordinator, Michelle Matthews, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute;
and Donations, Susan Flick, Geneva Public Library; and
WHEREAS, In light of their commitment, dedication and successful
efforts, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest
commendation to all Library Assistants throughout the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Thursday, April 12,
2012, as Library Assistants' Day in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and to Sally McMaster, President of the New York State Library
Assistants' Association.