When our firm (ACA) plans and programs a New Library Building we inform our clients that we will be applying ADA standards. We believe it is very important to adhere to ADA building standards set out to support access for people with disabilities. Improved access to library spaces, equipment and materials should enable everyone to enjoy the freedom to seek information. When we renovate a library building we do a visual assessment. We tour Library areas and/or zones to determine if it provides ADA access or if the building space restrict user flow. Usually, book shelves that haven’t been rearranged for 20 years require rethinking. For example, 36″ aisle spacing…
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The Library and Smartphones
In 2010, ACA did a planning workshop for Computers in Libraries. During the workshop, the group discussed the use of mobile technology and its impact on library space. What will the library of the future look like? A recent study by the PEW FOUNDATION starts to shine the light on new technology… According to the Pew Foundation, 32 percent of Americans had accessed the web using a mobile device by April 2009 compared to only 24 percent in December 2007, and 58 percent of 18-29 year olds have used the web on a mobile device. Worldwide demand for smartphones increased 30 percent last year and continues to grow. In “Universities…
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One Thousand Libraries and Still Counting
At the age of eight, Aaron Cohen was discovered! He was in the local branch of the New York Public Library near the Educational Alliance – a famous settlement house on the Lower East Side of New York City — where he showed his sketches to a teacher and librarian. They showed them to the Director of the Educational Alliance, who immediately invited Aaron to attend a class in the Adult Drawing Studio. The Director gave Aaron advice: “Keep going to the library and read about famous artists. Then, in your sketch book, draw what you see.” Drawing has helped Aaron throughout his life. It has helped him, as an…
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Peter Drucker and Strategic Library Planning
When you want to develop a new library building or a new service Peter Drucker’s management philosophy might be a preliminary first step. Your research can start with “Management, Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices.” In the book, Drucker tells his readers to focus on clear and measurable goals. The Library’s strategic plan must include the staffs ambition to be better. The ways the library staff sets itself on achieving those goals is crucial. Peter Drucker urges us to engage in activities that help us work out what we are good at, what we should not do and what our values are going to be. ACA Recommends: Peter Drucker.
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Jay Leno Library Joke
ACA COMMENTARY.. Late Night TV is part of what’s best in America..there are jokes that are funny, mean and distasteful. The 5/11/10 Joke from the Leno show is linked here. It is part of a commentary on government spending and a misunderstanding of the Library’s value. We would like Jay Leno to make up for his poor taste and start advocating for libraries. I am sure he can give back more. It is our right to call him out!!..Our Letter to Jay. Jay your poor understanding of America’s libraries and their value needs to be corrected. You need to spend time visiting and understanding libraries. Jay we can provide a…