Courtney L. Young

Courtney L. Young is currently Head Librarian and Professor of Women’s Studies at Penn State Greater Allegheny. She previously held library positions at Penn State’s Beaver and University Park campuses, at Michigan State University, and The Ohio State University.

She has served in a variety of leadership roles in the American Library Association (ALA), including being elected the 2014-2015 ALA President. 

Courtney is a graduate of the College of Wooster (OH) with a B.A. in English and minors in Black Studies and Women's Studies, and Simmons College in Boston, where she received her M.S. in Library Science. In January 2016 she received the Simmons Alumni Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Library and Information Professional Endeavors. In 2011, Courtney 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.

Courtney frequently presents and publishes on issues related to advocacy, academic librarianship, diversity, virtual reference, leadership, and professional development.