Eliza Timberlake Dresang Ph.D.

1941 - 2014

Eliza Timberlake Dresang, PhD

Eliza Timberlake Dresang, PhD,

age 72 of Seattle, WA, passed away on April 21, 2014. She was born to Ruth (Rudder) and Gideon Timberlake, MD, on October 21, 1941, in Atlanta, GA. Eliza received a bachelor's degree from Emory University (1963), a master's degree in Library Science from UCLA (1966), and a PhD in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1981). After working for 16 years as a librarian and administrator in the Madison Metropolitan School District, Eliza dedicated her career to university teaching, professional service, and research. In 1996, she became a professor in the College of Information at Florida State University. In 2008, she joined the faculty of the University of Washington Information School as the first Beverly Cleary Professor of Children and Youth Services.

Eliza was an expert in children's and young adult literature. Her influential book, Radical Change: Books for Youth in a Digital Age (1999), provided librarians and teachers with a framework for understanding multicultural children's literature in the context of the computer age. Eliza was very involved in many professional associations, such as The American Library Association. She served on and chaired many award selection committees, including: the Newbery Medal, Notable Children's Books, and the Pura Belpre; Award.

Throughout her career, Eliza advocated tirelessly for children.

She was instrumental in improv-

ing librarianship, literacy programs

and digital resources for youth. 2007, she received the Scholastic Library Publishing Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to librarianship. Her most recent research project examined early literacy. While doing research and service, Eliza was also teaching. She mentored many graduate and undergraduate students and junior faculty, and she treasured her role as teacher.

Regardless of how busy she was in her professional life, Eliza always made time for family and friends. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an exceptionally good listener, and she truly valued others' ideas, especially children's. She thoroughly enjoyed planning and taking part in family vacations, celebrations, and social gatherings. She traveled extensively, most recently to Alaska. Eliza will be missed deeply by her many family members, friends and colleagues.

Eliza is survived by her three children: Lee Dresang (Kari Bloedel) of Madison, WI, Steve Dresang (Charlene Robins) of Seattle, WA, and Anna Chapman of Madison, WI. She was a beloved Grammy to 8 grandchildren: Maya, Aidan, Eliza (Lizzie), Finley, Jocko, DeNico, Zyquan and Emari. She is also survived by her dearest friend, Bowie Kotrla. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gideon and Ruth Timberlake.

An informal gathering of friends

and family for sharing memories will be held on Friday evening, May 9, from 7-9 PM in the Gaebler Room of the First Unitarian Society of Madison (900 University Bay Drive). A celebration of Eliza's life will be held at the First Unitarian Society, Madison, on May 10 at 10:30 AM. Additional parking on Marshall Court.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eliza T. Dresang Endowed Fellowship in Children and Youth Services:

University of Washington Information School, Mary Gates Hall, Suite 370, Box 352840, Seattle, WA 98195-2840

http://eliza.ischool.uw.edu/