Representative of ICPSR: Sarah Young
Meet Sarah, an ICPSR Representative and Social Sciences Librarian and Director of the Evidence Synthesis Program at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, whose passion for connecting people with data extends from campus to the ICPSR community. Whether networking with fellow member representatives or drawing on ICPSR’s expert staff, she values the organization’s collaborative, accessible approach to supporting researchers.
Where do you work and what is your job title?
I’m a Social Sciences Librarian and the Director of the Evidence Synthesis Program at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
What is a favorite memory or instance you have working with ICPSR? What makes ICPSR a great place?
I had the pleasure of attending the ICPSR Biennial Meeting for institutional member representatives in Ann Arbor a few years ago. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other information professionals in similar positions, to build my network, and learn from the amazing expertise of the ICPSR staff.
Where are you from?
I’m born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I left for numerous years after college, but like many ‘yinzers’, found my way back in 2016.
What is your favorite part of working with ICPSR?
The incredible amount of knowledge and experience the ICPSR staff provide, while also being super approachable, collaborative and accessible.
What’s one ICPSR dataset you find fascinating, unusual, or you’ve had a hand in getting deposited?
I really like the National Archive of Data on Arts and Culture. One of the programs I liaise to at CMU is our Arts and Entertainment Management program. Like many programs at CMU, they are very data science oriented, and the NADAC is a great resource for class projects.
How long have you worked with ICPSR?
I’ve been the official representative from our organization since about 2017.
What do you do when not at work?
Right now, I’m busy with gardening, working on a native plant shade garden in addition to my herbs and veggies. I also got really into rocks and rockhounding a few years ago, which has led me down the path of lapidary arts and now metal-smithing to do something with all of these polished stones I’ve made.
What have you read/viewed/listened to/etc. recently?
I’m currently reading Local: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness by Alastair Humphreys.
What might surprise us about you?
As a librarian and an evidence synthesis specialist, I’ve had the fortune to travel internationally quite a bit, whether for international conferences or conducting trainings. I’ve been to China, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mexico, UK, and Czechia, all in the context of my evidence synthesis work.
Anything else that you’d like to share with us?
I was thrilled to recently receive the ACRL University Libraries Section Outstanding Professional Development Award along with my amazing colleagues Megan Kocher, Amy Riegelman (both University of Minnesota Libraries) and Matt Kibbee (Cornell University Library). This was in recognition of the Evidence Synthesis Institute, a semi-annual training program for librarians in evidence synthesis methods that we co-organize and co-teach.
Thanks, Sarah!
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