Harry Young worked as an Executive Coordinator at UBC Library from 2010 to 2018.
As an Executive Coordinator at UBC Library, Harry Young works closely with the University Librarian during their term, occupying a unique position on staff. But before he joined the Library, Harry worked in hospitality. “For a long time in Toronto, I worked in the restaurant business,” he says. “And when I moved back to BC—where I’m from—I worked in the business a bit, but then I decided to make a concerted effort to get out of that exciting, yet exhausting world.”
Through a few short-term contracts with UBC Hiring Solutions (previously Staff Finders), Harry eventually took a position on the Library Administration team in 2009.
With nearly a decade of experience at UBC Library, his role has evolved to take on new challenges. Recently, he’s been more involved in supporting the development team and coordinating certain recurring library events. Harry has also been heavily involved in UBC’s United Way campaign, having launched the annual Spelling Bee in 2010. The Spelling Bee, which invites participation from students, staff and faculty across campus, continues to be an incredibly popular event for the United Way and UBC Library.
Outside of work, Harry can often be found on tennis courts—usually Stanley Park in the summer and at the North Van Tennis Centre in the winter. He has been an enthusiastic player most of his adult life and is a long-time board member of the Vancouver Tennis Association. He also occasionally serves as an on-court umpire for Tennis BC and Tennis Canada.
Community building is a recurring component of Harry’s success—both in and out of the Library—which is why he suggests new employees at the Library start by reaching out. “I wasn’t very good at that, I have to say, but I’m better now. Walk around. Go visit other departments and introduce yourself, just casually. Take a walk to each of the libraries branches and get to know everyone. You never know where it could lead.”