Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD

Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD Aaron Cohen Associates LTD (ACA) is a library-planning and consulting firm that has been in business for over 48 years. We offer strategic planning services.

In that time, we have completed over 1000 library facility plans, digital and staff planning studies. LIBRARY CONSULTANT

The Cohen's approach to library planning follows a rational and methodical process, integrating on-site library planning workshops and online / video conferencing sessions. Our studio develops work products that relate to the specifications of public, special and academic libra

ries; learning and technology spaces; digital collections and library services; library staff and operations planning services. WHO ARE WE

Since 1972, Aaron Cohen Associates LTD, Library Consultant, has drawn on our wealth of experience in facility planning, organizational development and user needs assessments to improve libraries. We assist academic librarians, public library boards, academic provosts, city managers and community leaders in the assessment and improvement of library services. Public libraries use our services to understand and improve space utilization, enhancing the usability, relevance and appearance of this cultural and educational resource. We participate on large space planning projects and work independently to assess and develop library planning studies. We consult on new buildings, renovations and expansions on existing building sites. We offer e-resource planning and collection storage studies. Our experience is broad, with projects ranging in size from small public libraries to large national libraries. LIBRARY ARCHITECTURE / ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH

We perform ethnographic research for use in library architecture, space planning, interior design and staff operations. We develop library planning reports that outline new service options, library collections, technology, learning spaces and staff operations. Take the Academic Library Outcomes Survey

Take the Public Library Outcomes Survey

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

It is important for libraries to assess their effectiveness. We research library building conditions, integrating new service trends into architectural designs. We assess library staff, job descriptions, services, workflow and operations strategies. We offer master planning services including 20-year building plans, user needs assessments, new design concepts and library operations plans. Our library consultants are thought-leaders in library planning and design. This includes the development of library buildings, civic projects, large cultural parks and campus master planning. Our academic library consultants work with librarians and faculty to improve the utilization of active and passive learning environments. WHAT WE OFFER

Our Library Consultants offer facility plans, master plans, architectural programming, library collection analysis and organizational assessments. We provide technology research, developing plans to improve the utilization of library resources. HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR LIBRARY

We have a wealth of knowledge in the ways libraries function. We offer architectural services; library programming, preservation requirements and shelving systems analysis. We develop library service plans to support online learners. We offer library planning workshops to facilitate the development of buildings, library systems and/or staff. We have in-depth knowledge of the ways in which libraries function. Our highly-experienced and multi-disciplinary studio consists of librarians (MLIS), architects, interior designers, educators, sound, data and lighting consultants. We are always looking for librarians and architecture firms to partner with our team on local and international projects. Contact ACA or attend our Library Space Planning workshops. NEED A LIBRARY STARTER PACK

Need to kick start planning? Contact our library planning team. We will share our planning standards and methodologies to help you get started.

Effective library planning requires a user-centered approach that prioritizes needs over resources. University of the Vi...
05/27/2026

Effective library planning requires a user-centered approach that prioritizes needs over resources. University of the Virgin Islands' case study exemplifies this, demonstrating how libraries can serve as learning infrastructures. By focusing on service standards, accountability, and community involvement, libraries can evolve into essential academic and public resources. Embrace the future of library services.

https://conta.cc/4uDshi2

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates Character is built into process.     Mission first. Technology second. Space third. Operations & Services.   Library master plan fails when it begins with equipment,

Reinventing the library as an incubator for literacy is crucial for community engagement. Try analyzing existing conditi...
05/21/2026

Reinventing the library as an incubator for literacy is crucial for community engagement. Try analyzing existing conditions and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to develop actionable planning options. This includes scenario planning, which helps visualize service choices and space implications. Measurement and modern design support diverse learning patterns and digital literacy, ensuring that libraries meet the evolving needs of their communities.

Join us as we explore innovative approaches to library management.

https://conta.cc/4wK1mCv

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates Library is an Incubator for Literacy     Library is an Incubator   What gets measured gets managed. What gets managed gets modeled. What gets modeled gets adapted. Re

Corporations, University, College and Research Centers with Special Libraries that depend on health sciences expertise f...
05/14/2026

Corporations, University, College and Research Centers with Special Libraries that depend on health sciences expertise face an AI challenge. They require library strategies that connect specialized information to workflows, support partnerships across disciplines, and help teams move ideas from prototype to scale. The lesson is direct: innovation depends on organized access to knowledge, clear service models, and environments designed for use. https://conta.cc/4wq5GXw

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates Library Prototyping     Library Prototyping   Corporations, University, College and Research Centers with Special Libraries that depend on health sciences expertise f

Effective design requires a diverse team to evaluate how space utilization influences behavior. We focus on creating a l...
04/29/2026

Effective design requires a diverse team to evaluate how space utilization influences behavior. We focus on creating a legible entry experience and balancing collaborative zones with quiet, reflective spaces. A phased master plan allows the institution to modernize service points and archives while maintaining vital operations. These strategies ensure the library remains an intelligent and accessible heart of the campus.

https://conta.cc/4cE6q3A

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates The modern library is a third space     Seven Secrets of a Successful Library Project   1. Begin with the Institutional Strategies, Not the Floor Plan The modern libr

Quiet spaces are essential for effective learning in libraries. They protect engagement, signal the importance of focus,...
04/24/2026

Quiet spaces are essential for effective learning in libraries. They protect engagement, signal the importance of focus, and reduce student retention costs. Libraries must prioritize quiet areas in their design to foster reflection and productivity. Let's ensure our libraries are designed with quiet in mind.

https://conta.cc/4u6z4A5

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates it is part of library modernization efforts     Quiet Space Matters   Quiet is a really important part of the library environment. The library needs to provide space

To understand what collections management actually is you need to start with a library master plan. During library maste...
04/18/2026

To understand what collections management actually is you need to start with a library master plan. During library master planning, collections management strategies are measured; both the stewardship of physical items and the extended list of digital materials. https://conta.cc/4sIDxrr

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates library master plan     Collections management influences space allocation   Collections Management To understand what collections management actually is you need to

Modernize libraries for everyone! Embrace user-centered design! 📚✨    https://conta.cc/4tyTBgk
04/09/2026

Modernize libraries for everyone! Embrace user-centered design! 📚✨
https://conta.cc/4tyTBgk

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates - not how you think they behave.     Behavioral Design is a Factor for Success   Six Steps for Change The modernization of libraries will require new efforts, difficu

In the evolving landscape of libraries, the integration of environmental stewardship, descriptive intelligence, and spat...
04/02/2026

In the evolving landscape of libraries, the integration of environmental stewardship, descriptive intelligence, and spatial design is crucial for building sustainable collections. A well-constructed finding aid not only catalogs but contextualizes archival materials, enhancing accessibility. As highlighted by Carla Hayden, digital infrastructure is essential for realizing a collection's value today. Collaboration between architects and librarians is key to creating spaces that reflect the purpose of collections.

https://conta.cc/41aEZYu

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates Light is a Filter to Knowledge     Light is a Filter to Knowledge   It is a system of relationships, maintained over time, through the integrated work of environmenta

The Library as Third Place - What do Gen Z think...https://conta.cc/4tnZmxz
03/31/2026

The Library as Third Place - What do Gen Z think...https://conta.cc/4tnZmxz

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates What does a Third Place Look Like?     The Library as Third Place   Libraries serve functions that are far beyond just lending. During ethnographic observations at pu

Investing in libraries means investing in our community's future. Let's think systems!    https://conta.cc/4uNTYVS
03/24/2026

Investing in libraries means investing in our community's future. Let's think systems!
https://conta.cc/4uNTYVS

Email from Aaron Cohen Associates Why we invest in libraries...     Library Systems Thinking   Why We Invest in Libraries Every great library contains a paradox. It is simultaneously a collection of m

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159 Teatown Road
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
10520

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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