The Project VIEWS2 Team received the Washington Library Association 2015 President’s Award for their leadership role in early learning.

The project, which began in 2011 with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Washington State Library, was the brainchild of Eliza T. Dresang. She spoke to many librarians interested in including early literacy concepts in their storytimes but who had no way of knowing if their activities were making a difference. Dresang decided to create a research project that would validate their efforts. Dresang passed away April 2014 and the project continued with students and faculty. 

"Surely Dr. Eliza Dresang is enormously proud, especially as it acknowledges the hard work, brilliance, and persistence of her students." said Cheryl Metoyer, iSchool Associate Dean for Research who is now principal investigator for the project. 

Diane Hutchins of the Washington State Library, a partner of Project VIEWS2, accepted the award on behalf of the team at the awards ceremony and said, “Congratulations to everyone on the Project VIEWS2 team for the awarding of the Washington Library Association President’s Award in recognition of this wonderful groundbreaking work. This project is a significant step forward in elevating the visibility of, and respect for, the role of library staff in helping children become ready for school and beyond!”

Visit the VIEWS2 website.