LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 16, 2015, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 16, 2015 as Library Assistants' Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Library Week; and
WHEREAS, National Library Week is an annual event that is designated
for the week of April 12 through April 18, 2015; there are 6,630
libraries of all types in New York State and over 14,188 staff members
other than librarians according to the most recent data available; and
WHEREAS, Library Assistants help facilitate the operation of the
library by aiding the librarian in their daily routine; they are instru-
mental as circulation clerks, maintain the cataloging system, process
and repair books and audio visual formats, shelve books and other medi-
ums, and work behind the scenes in many other capacities; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Library Assistants' Association (NYSLAA)
is a state organization established by library assistants to promote and
enhance the professional image and status of New York State's library
assistants; 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, NYSLAA 2015 Executive Council members are: Michele A.
Matthews, President; Kathy Rossello, Vice-President; Carrie Goetz, Trea-
surer; Tammy Southard, Recording Secretary; Ruth Oberg, Conference Coor-
dinator; Donna Kuhner, Corresponding Secretary; and Donna Hanna, Member-
ship Secretary; and
WHEREAS, Standing Committee members include: Donna Hanna, Membership
Committee Chair; Nancy Davis, Public Relations Committee Chair; Tammy
Southard, Newsletter Committee Chair; Sheila Tshudy, Donations Committee
Chair; Donna Kuhner, Elections Committee Chair; Michele Matthews,
Certificate of Achievement Committee Chair; and Nancy Davis, Community
Outreach Committee Chair; and
WHEREAS, The NYSLAA has taken on a variety of roles to improving and
promoting the Association, such as membership recognition, fund-raisers
and innovative programs; NYSLAA's most distinctive program is the
Certificate of Achievement; in 1992, the NYSLAA conducted a membership
survey which included questions about certification for library assist-
ants; seventy-eight percent of those responding indicated that they
favored a voluntary program; as the professional association of library
assistants in New York State, NYSLAA is the appropriate body to adminis-
ter 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 librarian 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, In light of their commitment, dedication and successful
efforts, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest
commendation to all of the Library Assistants in 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 April 16, 2015, 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 Michele A. Matthews, President of the New York State Library
Assistants' Association.