Assembly Resolution No. 295

BY: M. of A. Quart

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 13, 2017, 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
energy, 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 13, 2017 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 9-15, 2017; 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
instrumental as circulation clerks, maintain the cataloging system,
process and repair books and audio visual formats, shelve books and
other mediums, 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
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, NYSLAA 2017 Executive Council members are: Michele A.
Matthews, President; Kathy Rossello, Vice-President; Carrie Goetz,
Treasurer; Tammy Southard, Recording Secretary; Rose Flickner,
Conference Coordinator; Dawn Gage, Corresponding Secretary; and Donna
Hanna, Membership Secretary; and

WHEREAS, Standing Committee members include: Donna Hanna, Membership
Committee Chair; Nancy Davis, Public Relations Committee Chair and
Community Outreach Committee Chair; Tammy Southard, Newsletter Committee
Chair; Dawn Gage, Election Committee Chair; Sheila Tshudy, Donations
Committee Chair; and Michele Matthews, CAP Certificate of Achievement
Review Board Committee Chair; Anna Dobkowski 2017 Conference Host; 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
assistants; 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
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 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 13, 2017, as
Library Assistants' Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted 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.