Professor Dr. Tess Prendergast

Biography

Tess Prendergast is a Lecturer at the University of British Columbia's iSchool, specializing in librarianship and children's literature. She teaches courses focused on early literacy and the role of libraries in supporting diverse families, particularly newcomers to Canada. Prior to joining UBC in 2019, she worked as a children's librarian in a large urban public library for several decades, concentrating on early literacy initiatives. Her doctoral research involved a qualitative multiple-case study that investigated the inclusion of children with disabilities in early learning opportunities within family and community contexts, using a bioecological systems perspective informed by sociocultural theories. Prendergast's work emphasizes the critical evaluation of children's literature through an anti-bias and anti-ableist lens, specifically highlighting contemporary Indigenous children's experiences and the representation of children with disabilities. She has served on several prestigious committees including the ALA Randolph Caldecott Award Committee and the ALA Theodor Seuss Geisel Committee. Prendergast is dedicated to preparing future children's librarians to deliver inclusive services and collections that meet the needs of diverse communities.

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