Honor Library Assistants Day

April 11, 2019, 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 11, 2019, 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 7-13, 2019, with the theme "Libraries = Strong Communities"; 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 2019 Executive Council members are: Michele A. Matthews, President; Kathy Rossello, Vice President; Carrie Goetz, Treasurer; Tammy Southard, Recording Secretary; Ruth Oberg, Conference Coordinator; Nora Renda, Corresponding Secretary; and Donna Hanna, Membership Secretary; and WHEREAS, Standing Committee members include: Donna Hanna, Membership Committee Chair; Kathy Rossello, acting Public Relations Committee Chair; Tammy Southard, Newsletter Committee Chair; Nora Renda, Election Committee Chair; Michele Matthews, CAP Certificate of Achievement Review Board Committee Chair; and Wendy Freier, 2019 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 11, 2019, 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.