Library Planning Consultant

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,…

acohen May 7, 2015

Library Planning Research Space Planning work in progress

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…

acohen April 13, 2015

Library Planning Research library technology Social Library Issues

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…

acohen March 5, 2015

Library Planning Research work in progress

Environmental Scan and Impact Assessment for Academic Libraries

Library impact assessments can be self-studies. They can come in three forms: Lib Quals (created by the Association of Research Libraries), visual scans and/or environmental scans. A visual scan is…

acohen March 1, 2015

Library Planning Research Social Library Issues work in progress

What Makes a Great Library for Today and Tomorrow

The library is operating in a very different world today. Technology is constantly evolving within an environment that is increasingly smart, flexible and mobile. Though so much is available on…

acohen February 26, 2015

Library Planning Research library technology work in progress

Makerspace and 3D Printing: the Future is Here

The newest frontier in library service is the development of a MakerSpace, which can include access to 3D technology. Mick Ebeling at Not Impossible Labs provides an inspiring example of how 3D…

acohen February 16, 2015

Library Planning Research

Rethinking your library space? Start with a Plan

The term "library collection" is always subject to interpretation; today, it can mean many different things. A library with no books? It's not impossible anymore. Even within a traditional library, learning…

acohen January 23, 2015

Library Planning Research Space Planning

The Library Touch Point

According to Elaine Cohen, a user touch point affords direct and in-direct contact with library services. It can be a physical or digital connection. Upon entering the library, a touch…

acohen November 5, 2014

Library Planning Research

7 spatial modes for planning libraries

According to the American Library Association, there are 120,096 libraries in the United States. Although the U.S. is a complex and dynamic country, too many libraries are housed in out-dated…

acohen October 31, 2014

Library Planning Research Social Library Issues

The Library; long lived and adaptable

As libraries come to understand their need for collections, they must recognize that the book can be in many different formats. In a recent article by the Economist, the transformation…

acohen October 23, 2014