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. We will work with your team and build on your institutions foundational vision. This foundation must be part of the library program; customized to ensure a long term successful outcome. Simplistically, it outlines the square footage or square meters for the library space. On the other hand, we know how to break up the library program. We will bring these service priorities to help your team understand each element and importance. This includes user spaces as well as books shelving and displays, flooring and pathways. Developing a building program is a strategic pathway to success. Working on a library plan? Contact Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD

Technology-enabled Spaces

How do you design access to cutting-edge technology in library spaces? Technology-enabled spaces provide connectivity and furnishings that enable access. Future proofing libraries with adaptable design supports the needs of users. We help you profile the library space requirements. This includes our library program methods and tools. We work with you to matches the functionality of the place (inside and outside the library). This includes functions such as service point queries, search and collaboration meeting rooms. Our modern library programming methods allows for different functions to be incorporated. Future proofing libraries with adaptable design requires new functional plans. Contact Library Programmers

Sustainable Practices

What are some sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of library spaces? Sustainable and environmentally friendly spaces are critical for today’s world. If Covid taught us anything, it is that we need at least 4 to 5 air exchanges in an environment. People need oxygen and airflow.

Create a Library Plan

How will you plan to create your library spaces? What are some tools that will enhance the academic community and the wider community? Community-centered spaces concepts are built on sharing resources and designing for it. These resources including tables, chairs and equipment are required for the library to function as a research space. In addition to these specific issues, libraries can also strive for excellence by future proofing libraries with adaptable design. We help the design team improve the functionality of the library space(s).

Why should we include new technologies, tools, and functionality to improve library services, collections, and spaces? Access to library resources is a doorway to success, but the pathway to learning can be more impactful. When researchers use the library they pretty much know how to use it. But what if there are other resources and tools that they don’t know about? Collaborating with stakeholders opens up doors and builds communities.

Future Proofing Libraries with Adaptable Designs

Future proofing libraries with adaptable design helps libraries build partnership strategies with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. We help libraries identify and address shared space needs and service challenges. Once we measure and evaluate the library’s impact, we work with the library to profile services, collections, and spaces. Basically, we ensure that the library is meeting the needs of users and achieving the desired outcomes. When you advocate for a library you are promoting the value and importance of academic research. Within the institution and the broader community, future proofing libraries with adaptable design is a strategy worth exploring.

Future Proofing Libraries

Libraries have evolved beyond their traditional roles as repositories of knowledge, transforming into community hubs that serve as informing places and digital research centers. As library designers, we are prioritizing flexibility and adaptability to accommodate behavioral functions. We are future proofing libraries with adaptable designs, ensuring that the equipment and furnishings remain responsive to emerging needs.

There are examples of library service design that went astray. For example, a library can survey the community and fail to learn about the goals and aspirations of their users. We’ve found people aren’t happy with the library when it serves no purpose. It is time to implement a user-centered approach to service development and delivery. We focus on understanding and meeting the needs of library users.

What type of plan do you need?

What type of plan do you need to ensure that library services are accessible to all users, regardless of their background or identity. Inclusive and equitable service plans require a time commitment to learn about the uniqueness of the community and requirements for the collections.

What services should you provide?

What type of new services should you provide? How can we meet the evolving needs of users, including digital services, remote access, and specialized support? Innovative and responsive services are developed through an understanding of the user(s). For example, laptops are the norm at colleges and universities. They create new opportunities to sit anywhere depending on the needs of the student. They can bring their laptop to a group meeting space and they can use the laptop for individual study and research.

Customer Service Culture

Why should we develop a customer service culture? Why does the library need to think about customer services? A strong customer service culture enables excellent service to all users.

Curated Collections

What is a curated collection of resources? Curated and comprehensive collections supports the teaching, learning, and research. We help improve access to the collections.

Evaluations

Why should you continuously evaluate and update the library’s collection? Responsive collection development is built on the idea that the community builds the resources. In reality this is a challenge and an opportunity. We often reflect the evolving needs of users and the latest advancements in scholarship to make our selections.

Digital Collections and Preservation

How is the your library building adapting to your needs? Does it provide an archive or special collection that preserves and provides access to the institution’s intellectual heritage. Why are these resources important? Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD can you active them, create a portal for knowledge resource planning.

Library Data Management

What are the next steps? Why should you study your data? management? What types of curation services do you employ to support researchers? Data management and curation plans help you manage your collections. We research library data for insights, improvements, opportunities and recognizing threats. Your data and management plan is intertwined. We can help you design a library plan whether it is digital or physical use or both.