Aaron Cohen Associates, Ltd. (ACA) is an interdisciplinary library planning firm founded in 1972. Our consultants specialize in library space planning and digital library design, whether for a new building project, reorganization effort or renovation of existing services. Our associates are professional library planners, librarians, architects, materials management experts, interior designers and organizational management consultants. Our team promotes operational efficiency to achieve higher results. The outcome is an analysis of options to develop modern library services.

We facilitate planning workshops and stakeholder focus groups. We analyze the past, present and future needs of technical services, reference, acquisitions, and circulation services. We have developed over 500 planning studies for Academic, Public, School, Law, Medical, Art, Corporate and Government Libraries. Our associates hold esteemed professional credentials, have authored five books on library planning and design, and have chaired international associations.

Why hire a library consultant and planning team? We identify and determine options for the library (i.e., research, collaborative or quiet seating) and integrate them with architectural master plans and facility designs. We provide qualitative and quantitative research that results in new service functions, innovative learning systems and new virtual spaces. Our skilled professionals have implemented new operational models, RFID service centers, materials management processing and green building designs. We’ve prototyped collaborative learning environments, digital preservation techniques, distance learning and digital functionality. ACA specializes in museum environments, preservation techniques, manuscript management, original cataloging, serials and e-journal operations. Our services include options for operational efficiency such as self check-out/in circulation systems, as well as preservation methods such as compact storage, cold storage and automatic retrieval systems (ARS).

Our clients want their library project to be a good return on investment. In order to deliver a solid result, we conduct a scan of existing library services. We facilitate workshops to identify the community’s needs and determine an appropriate service model. We develop schematic layouts of the building to prove the collection shelving, staff and seating requirements meet the needs of the community.

In 2003, we develop a process entitled the ^“Visual Scan©.” It is a unique method that engages the community by helping stakeholders analyze the existing library infrastructure. It enables the community to see the options so that they can determine the best course for the future. The planning exercise reveals the long- and short-range options for the library.

Aaron Cohen

Aaron Cohen is a Library Consultant and an Architect.  He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, American Library Association, American Library Association and Special Libraries Association (among others).  He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia).  He also has his Masters of Architecture from Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, New York).

His special areas of expertise include:  strategic and long range planning and library programming.  He has been retained by numerous public and academic libraries across the United States, including the libraries of: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA; University of Illinois @ Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, IL; University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL; St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, MO; Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL; Jefferson Parish Library System, Metairie, LA; Government of Singapore.  In joint effort with ACA, Mr. Cohen has conducted more than 300 seminars and workshops on space planning and design, strategic planning, library automation and the current workshops on Re-Engineering the Library for Change.  He is a coauthor of Planning the Electronic Office (McGraw‑Hill), Automation, Space Management and Productivity (R. R. Bowker) and Designing and Space Planning for Libraries (R. R. Bowker).  He is also the coauthor of the chapter on Ergonomics in the CAD/CAM Handbook (McGraw‑Hill).

Alexander Cohen - MLS

Alexander Cohen received his MLS at Long Island University (MLS - 2005) and has a B.S. from the University of Arizona (Tucson, Arizona).  He has worked as a management consultant for 15 years.  He has extensive technical training from the PMI (Project Management Institute), Novell (Networking), ESRI (GIS), Microsoft (Software Development Training), and Sun (Object Oriented Programming and Development).  As a Library Consultant, Alex adapts his technology experience with facilities planning to support Web 2.0 library spaces.  His focus includes academic, public, governmental, special, medical library planning, organizational development, usage studies, distributed learning, grant writing, public library focus groups / friends meetings, user, seating, and staff 20 year projections, AV, Internet and IT systems integration projects. His work is adapted specifically to the requirements of the project as it relates to the field of library space planning.  Alex applies appreciative inquiry (go to www.thinbook.com) for visioning sessions, and pre-planning meetings.   The team employ's scenario planning  and uses New Planning for Results to build on "the best of what is" to develop "what will be." Alex is an expert in strategic planning, systems integration, classroom design, large-scale systems integration, video, audio, and applications of knowledge management.   

During his professional career, Mr. Cohen has worked on a host of projects for fortune 1000 companies including HP, IBM, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Lycos.  Alex has developed physical user interfaces for hospitals, museums, and retail environments.  He provides a strong ability to investigate and document the strategic planning issues.  He has worked on a number of library planning projects since 2000.  The impacts of his technology experience enable him to leverage a lifetime focus on library planning and technical design issues.  He can provide first hand guidance on how to model the future based adapting service responses.

Elaine Cohen

Elaine Cohen has a B.A. from Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, New York) and an M. Ed from CCNY (New York City).  She is a Management Consultant and Writer, best known for her books and articles about libraries.  She has worked extensively on library behavioral designs especially related to productivity, space standards, lighting and energy conservation.

Ms. Cohen has been retained by numerous libraries including:   the libraries of Springfield Public Library, Springfield, MA; New Haven Public Library, New Haven, CT; Bedford Public Library, Bedford, NH; St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, MO; Jefferson Parish Public Library, Metairie, LA; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.  She is coauthor of Designing and Space Planning for Libraries (R. R. Bowker), Automation, Space Management and Productivity (R. R. Bowker) and Planning the Electronic Office (McGraw Hill).  She is the author of a chapter in Using Consultants in Libraries and Information Centers, a Management Handbook (Greenwood Press) and coauthor of the chapter on Ergonomics in the CAD/CAM Handbook (McGraw-Hill).  Articles include:  "Comparison of Indexes and Abstracts in Hardcopy, Online and CD-ROM" (Optical Information Systems) and "Building Trends in Special Libraries" (Library Trends, University of Illinois).  Along with Aaron Cohen, she updated and rewrote the building program for the 800,000 gross square foot Chicago Public Library.  Also, in tandem with Aaron Cohen, she has led more than 300 space planning, design, strategic planning and automation workshops for such universities, states and organizations as: Government of Singapore, the State of Connecticut, the State of Ohio, Federal Libraries and Information Centers, and the American Association of Law Librarians.

Natalya Palevski - ASID

Natalya Palevski graduated with her B.S., B. Architecture, and Masters of Architecture degrees from Architectural School of the Institute of Civil Engineering in the USSR in 1973.   She is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), licensed in New York State as an Interior Designer, and the U.S. National Council for Interior Design (NCIDQ) has certified her qualifications.  She worked as a library space planner, architect and interior designer for various architectural and interior design firms in Europe and the USA.

Ms. Palevski's areas of expertise include 3D modeling design using state‑of‑the‑art computer software.  Utilizing 3D modeling, Ms. Palevski produces various alternative schemes of design in order to satisfy the Client's needs.  Since she is an expert in both the color and furniture market, Ms. Palevski works closely with clients on color schemes and furniture selection.  In addition, she utilizes her skills in these areas in producing furniture specifications.

Aaron Cohen Associates Ltd has employed Ms. Palevski since 1983 in the capacity of Senior Designer and CAD Manager. While with this firm she worked on the Space Planning and Interior Design for such projects as New Mexico State University Library, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Arizona State University Library, St. Louis Public Library, Calhoun School in New York City, and many others.

Barton M. Clark

Barton is has been involved in the development of libraries for over 30 years.  For the last 10 years, Mr. Clark has been involved in the International Federation of Library Associations and has been Chair and Treasurer for the Library Buildings and Equipment Section -- AlA. He is a strong supporter of the American Library Association Library Buildings and Equipment Section, and Chaired the Planning Committee for XII Buildings Seminar.  Internationally, Barton has been Information Coordinator for in the Library Buildings and Equipment Section of IFLANET.

Barton has been a Profession and the Associate University Librarian for Planning and Budgeting at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Library since 1985.  From 1993-95 he was Acting Assistant University Librarian.  In 1992-93 he was Acting Director of Administrative Professor.  From 1983-93 Barton was Director of Departmental Library   Professor (1985- ).Acting Director and Associate Professor (1983-85).University of Illinoisat Urbana Champaign, Library. 1981-83 Assistant Director of Departmental Library Services for Social Sciences Libraries. Associate Professor (1981-83), Assistant Professor (1981).University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Library.  1977-8  Education and Social Science Librarian. Associate Professor (1981-83), Assistant Professor (1977-81). University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Library.  1971-72Head, Undergraduate Library Assistant Professor (1972), Instructor (1971-72). University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Library.  1970-71 Assistant Librarian, Social Sciences Division.  Instructor (1970-71). University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Library.

Michael Koenig, PhD

Dr. Koenig is the Dean of the College of Information and Computer Science at Long Island University. His corporate experience includes positions as Vice President of Data Management at Tradenet, Director of Development and director of Database Product Operations at the Institute of Scientific Information, and Manager of Scientific Information services for Pfizer, Inc. His research foci include the relationships between the provision of library and information services and the productivity of the organization they support, the stages of information development and their corresponding social impact, and knowledge management. He holds an M.S. in Library Science and an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Information Science from Drexel University. Dean Koenig is the author of over 90 Articles. For information on Dr. Koenig's latest research go to http://www.dochzi.com/bibs/km.html -- http://www.informationr.net/ir/8-1/paper145.html

Susan Martin, PhD

Dr. Martin has worked primarily in academic libraries for more than 40 years. She is currently the Director of Marstons Mills Public Library in Massachusetts. Her past positions include University Librarian at Georgetown University from 1990-2001 and Director of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library at Johns Hopkins University from 1979-1988. Her primary areas of expertise are in library management, information technology, facilities and fundraising. She is a past President of the ACRL and the Library and Information Technology Association (formerly Information Science and Automation Division). She is the author of more than 100 books and journal articles and has served as editor of two major library journals.

Larry Nash, PhD  

Dr. Larry Nash White is an Assistant Professor at East Carolina University Department of Library Science and Instructional Technology. Prior to that, Dr. White worked as an administrator in retail management, government agencies, and public and academic libraries. He has a wide scope of experience in library operations and service provision, management, marketing, financial management, grant writing, and assessment of services. He is an internationally invited speaker and presenter on such topics as library performance, leadership, assessment, and competition for service and consults with libraries and non-profit organizations. He has published in the areas of performance assessment, competitive response, and financial management of libraries.

http://lsit.coe.ecu.edu/white/ 

Dr. Hiram Davis

Hiram Davis received his Bachelor of Science Economics and English) in 1966 from Missouri Valley College.  His Master of Librarianship (College and University Libraries) was received in 1969 from Emporia State University (Kansas).  In 1984, he received his Ph.D. (Administration, Higher Education and Library Science) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Since 1996, Dr. Davis has been Dean of Library Services, California Polytechnic State University.  As Dean, he is responsible for the development, implementation, and direction of all aspects of library service at the University.  This includes positioning the library to support the University’s mission of teaching, learning, research and outreach, and assuring that the library actively contributes to the intellectual life of the campus.  Also as Dean, he developed the master plan for a new teaching and learning facility, a potential $30-40 million project.

Prior to his tenure at Cal. Poly., Dr. Davis was Senior Advisor for Staff Development and Transition to the Librarian of Congress.  This entailed developing and implementing a new initiative at LC to broaden the knowledge and skills of existing staff through education, internal training, job experience, mentoring, and other means.    Previous work also includes Director of University Libraries, Michigan State University; Dean of University Libraries, New Mexico State University; Dean of University Libraries, University of the Pacific; etc.  In addition, he has been Director of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation’s (CIC) Library Science Doctoral Program for minority and disadvantaged students for six CIC universities:  Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.  During his long and distinguished career, he has had several academic, special, and public library assignments, and has functioned as President, vice president,  chairperson, organizer or member for a host of library related associations, and consortia.

Dr. Davis has worked with Aaron Cohen Associates LTD several times in the past, most notably at Michigan State University (short and long-range facilities planning), New Mexico State University (short and long-range facilities and equipment planning -- culminating in a new major library building on campus), and University of the Pacific (short and long-range facilities and equipment planning -- culminating in a major renovation/new addition to the existing library building, and an on-campus library shelving facility).  

We have been especially successful in fostering imaginative solutions.  We can provide program samples to prospective clients.  

Contact us:  Library Consultant