Alicia Thompson Appointed to Regents Advisory Council on Libraries
With more than 25 years of experience as a librarian and educator, Alicia J. Thompson was appointed to serve on the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries for her dedication to bringing together librarians, students and other vested stakeholders in promoting collaboration, access, opportunities and resources for all students’ educational and lifelong learning needs.
Supervisor for Library Automation Service for the Western New York Regional Information Center (WNYRIC) and the director of the Erie 1 BOCES School Library System, Thompson was recently appointed by the New York State Board of Regents to fulfill a partial term ending September 30, 2024.
The 15-member Regents Advisory Council on Libraries meets at least four time a year and works with the officers of the State Education Department in developing comprehensive statewide library and information policy and makes recommendations to the Regents concerning the implementation of programs. Members of the Regents Advisory Council are leaders in a wide variety of endeavors across the State, including business, human services, education, and libraries.
Thompson holds a master’s of science in educational administration from Canisius College and both an advanced master’s degree and a master’s degree of library science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to beginning her work as an education administrator at Erie 1 BOCES in 2013, she worked for nearly 10 years as a K-12 school librarian at the Cheektowaga Central and the Iroquois Central School districts. She began her career as a public librarian within the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system, working in both city and suburban branches.
She has held several leadership positions including serving on the Boards of Trustees for the Western New York Library Resources Council and Trocaire College. She also serves on the Executive Board of the School Library Systems Association of New York State, Inc.
“This appointment comes as no surprise to us as her colleagues at Erie 1 BOCES and the WNYRIC. Alicia is a passionate advocate for her colleagues and students in our region,” Elizabeth M. Freas, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Supports and WNYRIC Services, said.