Library Renovation Planning and Design During your career have you ever been tasked with planning and designing the renovation of a library? or a learning space? Library Renovation Planning and Design are exciting challenges. We help iron out the library programming details. Our work leads to improvements in the library’s functionality and accessibility. However, today’s world is also digital and its really complicated sometimes. When the library is facing challenges such as limited space, what should you do? We provide library utilization studies. We look at the services in the library and outdated infrastructure. We listen to the users. We use our experiences to analyze the technology integration. Our goal…
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Library scenario planning
As a library planning and design expert, I understand the significance of scenario planning. For example, the planning and design of a new library space for a school or college requires a strategic approach. We need to create an environment that enhances learning, collaboration, and technological integration. We offer guidance and expertise in addressing the needs assessment, space planning, collection development, technology integration, and green design considerations. User Analysis Let’s begin by delving into the needs assessment process. Understanding the specific requirements of the students and faculty enables us to design a library space for the user. Holistically, we need to listen to user needs and preferences. We explore various…
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Library Planning and AI Development
As an admirer of the great Louis Sullivan’s architectural space planning, I believe AI Architectural Design and Development time has come. We need to emphasize authentic relationships to build successful libraries. Basically, alignment must be actively communicated and embodied into the forms and functions of library services. Louis Sullivan AIA famously stated that form ever follows function. To him, a building’s ornamentation was meaningless compared to how well its design and layout supports its intended purpose. The most beautiful and “true” architecture comes from this organic integration of shape and utility. Form Follows Function When it comes to libraries, Sullivan would argue form must follow the functions of access, engagement,…
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Strengths for Libraries
It’s clear that libraries play a crucial role in community and academic development. Certainly, the pandemic has impacted the traditional concept of the “library as place.” As we anticipate the bounce back of library usage, it’s essential to strategize for growth in 2024. At Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD, we are addressing the needs of library user spaces, particularly adults seeking spaces for study, learning, and skill-building. The Urban Libraries Council developed the library insights survey to understand service planning trends between 2019 – 2022. The survey found that library attendance was down -25% and e-book use was up 33%. Notably, this is the first solid evidence that a library’s strength…
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Library design and education approaches
Library design and education strategies enhance student success programs. Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD research insights guide college and universities. We leverage our understanding and measurements tools, ensuring that educational capital investments are effective. Making sense of the academic library is our business. Learning Commons As we make sense of the Learning Commons and its complexity, we learn a lot about what students need. We study the unique needs and aspirations of students and integrate them into our modern library programs and design support. For example, lately we have been noticing students opening up their laptops just about everywhere in the library, unlocking the potential of the study space. Yes, making…
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Future proofing libraries with adaptable design
How do you create library spaces that are welcoming, comfortable, and conducive to learning, research, and collaboration? Future proofing libraries with adaptable design are easy to develop with a library program. Note, this art can not be replaced by digital architectural tools – you need experience and guidance. Over the years, we have developed a library program method that enables the architect and librarian to build a vision, goals and objectives for the spaces, equipment and furnishings. Designing Library Spaces How do you design library spaces that can be easily adapted to accommodate a variety of activities and needs? Future proofing libraries with adaptable design is developed thorough a process.…
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Library Facilities Planning and Analysis
How is the planning budget related to the Library Function? Library facilities planning, involves the systematic processes of identification, clarification, and nomenclature of the building plan. Our planning steps are pivotal in refining the understanding of the desired functions and aesthetic elements of a library. Basically, we recognize that achieving effective library facilities planning requires a fundamental reassessment of the foundational components at play. Library facilities planning provides programming, service analysis and collection design. Heart of the Matter At the heart of the matter lies the library patron or student, driven by a desire for functionality. Their overarching goal is to use the library effectively. They want to experience satisfaction—either…
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Library Planning Another Voice
This year was worthy of note for our library consulting firm, librarians, academic provosts, city managers, academic colleagues, preservationists and building facility managers for good reasons and bad. It’s been a year in which many libraries have suffered from a lack of planning. Certainty, there have been governments that don’t understand the services libraries bring to the community (see guardian view on support for public libraries). They restrict economic activity and hamper efforts for small businesses to be nurtured. Its been a year of celebrations for rural libraries – In November, the FCC announced it will spend 1.5 Billion to be spent on schools and libraries. There were impressed by…
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Digital Nomads
Could increasing connectivity improve your community? According to Linkedin, connected There have been a few web sites devoted to digital nomads and the changing lifestyle of tech users. It is important to us because we see a need to redefine the library as a place for all. This means bringing in new customers who need the support of an office and networking activities to develop and maintain their business. In the Huffington Post article, “Succeeding from Anywhere: 5 Trailblazing Communities for Digital Nomads” – we noted that social media makes it possible for people who work in the digital world to use libraries in new ways. They are people who…
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Planning the Next Generation Public Library
Expanding the public library’s service model is a challenge for any community (see woodstock public library). We understand it is a challenge of our time, requiring new strategies for success. Public Libraries are poised to play a leading role in the 21st century workspace. Many libraries are already providing places for laptop campers; furniture vendors are also driving new ideas for collaboration and seating areas that are flexible. The Woodstock Public Library project is an example of the constant feedback required for a successful assessment and implementation of a library renovation project. We worked with the community for six months to help re-envision what is takes to create a modern…
