Best Libraries in the World
ACA (www.acohen.com) has spent more than 40 years studying libraries, developing user experiences and library services. We are now seeing a significant shift in space and service planning strategies, from…
Review and Renew to keep your Library Thriving
Our clients seek us out because, as library consultants, we offer a straightforward process geared specifically for libraries. For example, how does one develop a library "from scratch?" What services and space planning concepts…
The Library as Learning Organization
Developing the library as a learning organization is a steady trend in both academic and public libraries. Certainly, there is a need for a new leadership approach that will create…
Collection Preservation in the Digital World
In today's changing world, library collection and preservation services need to be adaptable to the current user's needs. Consider the library with valuable space on campus or downtown: should they use that…
Labyrinth in the Library
According to the Orchestrator Model, the library's service plan can be orchestrated with "think", "feel" and "do" strategies. The development of a building program helps the library staff "think" about…
Look to “Learning Modes” to Guide Library Design
Over the last 25 years, research has shown that the right environment can transform the way a student learns and retains information. According to Rob Abel, Malcolm Brown, Jack Suess -…
The Impact Assessment: A Powerful Tool
Library impact assessments can be self-studies. They can come in one, two or three forms: Lib Quals (created by the Association of Research Libraries), visual scans and/or environmental scans. A…
Posted inLibrary Planning Research
As the Virtual Becomes Ever-More Reality, Libraries Reap the Benefits
Although the circulation of books, media and other materials has dropped precipitously at the majority of libraries, many of them still feature large, outmoded circulation desks. Thus, while service functions have changed,…
A Beautiful Space, a Usable Space: The Balance of Library Design
We are often asked "what are the best libraries in the world?" This is a difficult question to answer, because libraries must be both beautiful and functional. An attractive space…
Library Coding Classes / Crowdsourcing Fundraising Ideas
Transformative learning environments can make a big impact on struggling youth. As technology continues to advance, libraries are now offering coding classes to support the next generation of education. They…
