RESOLUTION CONCERNING STATUS OF THE ARMENIAN EARTHQUAKE DISASTER SPECIAL COMMITTEE

Whereas,          On December 7, 1988, the cities in the northwestern section of Soviet Armenia were stricken by a devastating earthquake, causing extensive loss of life and property; and

Whereas,          The building of many social and cultural institutions, including libraries, were destroyed; and

Whereas,          At its Midwinter Meetings, January 10, 1989, the ALA Council approved by acclamation a proposal that the Association take a leadership role in formulating a campaign to work with the appropriate authorities in helping to restore libraries and library services in the stricken areas; and

Whereas,          ALA has sought to improve communication and cooperation between U.S. and Soviet librarianship; and

Whereas,          ALA President F. William Summers established the Armenian Earthquake Disaster Committee and charged it with developing a plan of action, hereafter called Hye (Armenian) Earthquake Library Project (H.E.L.P.); now, therefore, be it

Resolved,         That the ALA membership endorse and actively support the realization of this project.

ADOPTED BY THE
MEMBERSHIP OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
June 26, 1989, in Dallas, Texas

Thomas J. Galvin,
Executive Director