Young earned her BA in English from the College of Wooster and her master’s degree in library and information science from Simmons University. Prior to taking over leadership of Colgate’s libraries, Young spent more than 15 years in the Penn State University system, rising to become head librarian and professor of women’s studies at the Pennsylvania State University–Greater Allegheny Campus. She is a current member of Colgate’s Academic Affairs Board and parliamentarian for the Colgate faculty. The author of numerous publications and a frequent presenter at conferences around the world, Young is also past president of the American Library Association (ALA). Currently, she serves as an elected member of the Oberlin Group of Libraries Executive Board.
In January 2016 she received the Simmons University Alumni Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Library and Information Professional Endeavors. In 2011, Young was named a Library Journal “Mover & Shaker”, recognized as a Change Agent for her ability to successfully make connections among a diversity of duties in her library, on campus, and in the profession. She frequently presents and publishes on issues related to advocacy, academic librarianship, diversity equity and inclusion, leadership, mentoring, and professional development.
