LIBRARY PROGRAMMING AND PLANNING
Aaron Cohen Associates, ltd specializes in library planning and design, focusing on the interior aspects such as furniture and equipment layouts, traffic patterns, workflow, lighting, acoustics, and color. We help libraries assess and analyze their building needs, organize services and operations, and plan and fund their growth strategies, with a focus on creating a functional and inviting space for users and staff.
VISUAL SCAN
Our library consultants use a technique called the Visual Scan to measure community needs by conducting a facilitated tour of the library environment with community members. For new building projects, expansions and renovations, our consultants use this information to provide future-oriented design solutions such as learning spaces, collaborative seating concepts, and learning commons designs.
TESTIMONIALS
"Every time I walk into the CW Post Library, I breathe and think how welcoming a place. You guys made that happen." - J.Kane, VP for Academic Affairs, Long Island University.
"With a 'justification foundation' based loosely on the work that Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD all did for Manchester, CT over 20 years ago, the taxpayers in November approved $39 million in a bond referendum which, when combined with some other millions we've received in grants, will build a new approximately 75,000 sq. ft. main library at a new location in downtown." - Doug McDonough, Director Manchester CT Public Library.
LIBRARY SERVICE REVIEW
Our Library planning research includes an analysis of the library site and distribution of Library services.
DEMOGRPAHIC / GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Our library consultant uses GIS professionals to study the demographic and geographic area. We gather feedback, we conduct focus group research and survey communities. Basically, we work closely with library staff to ensure they have a voice in the development of the library building and learning environments.
COST ESTIMATION/DESIGN SUPPORT/SCHEMATIC DESIGN REVIEW
We estimate project costs and develop building options for library construction. We can help estimates project costs. We can develop conceptual building options for library construction, and assist in the RFP development, bid process, design selection, schematic design review, project schedules and construction budgets. We also have experience in archival storage, particularly for special and unique collections. We conduct feasibility studies for library staff, seating, and collections.
Click here for a list of past projects
Library buildings are going through extraordinary changes. They are transforming from traditional libraries into library + culture house. That is why it is imperative to develop flexible seating configurations for group collaboration and classroom instruction. We also believe it is important to develop individual spaces to ensure there is a quiet space for all who want to do research.
Our approach includes an assessment of library resources, staff, seating and collection capacities. We work with librarians, library boards, community planners and leaders. Your strategic plan might require a renovation, reorganization or new addition. We specialize in library buildings, service planning, IT and mobile technology.
