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Libraries · head to head

ArchivesSpace vs Ex Libris Alma

ArchivesSpace logo

ArchivesSpace

Libraries

Open source archives information management application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ex Libris Alma logo

Ex Libris Alma

Libraries

Unified library services platform for the modern library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only ArchivesSpace has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: ArchivesSpace requires Java 17 or 21 (or Java 11/17 for older versions), adding infrastructure complexity; Ex Libris Alma pricing is not published for Alma; the site provides no plans or figures and requires contacting a sales representative for a quote
  • They diverge on capability: ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchivesSpace and Ex Libris Alma actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchivesSpace and Ex Libris Alma differ
AttributeArchivesSpaceEx Libris Alma
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsUbuntu Linux, macOS, WindowsWeb, Api
Founded20131986

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Libraries).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ArchivesSpace

  • Accession management
  • Resource description
  • Digital object management
  • Agent and subject authorities
  • Location management
  • Assessment module
  • Public user interface
  • EAD/MARCXML export

Only in Ex Libris Alma

  • Unified resource management
  • Electronic resource management
  • Digital asset management
  • Acquisitions and licensing
  • Circulation and fulfillment
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Resource sharing
  • Consortia support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ArchivesSpace

  • Digital archive managementnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Repository managementnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Cultural heritage preservationnot Ex Libris Alma

Ex Libris Alma

  • Academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platformnot ArchivesSpace

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ArchivesSpace

  • Requires Java 17 or 21 (or Java 11/17 for older versions), adding infrastructure complexity
  • Mandatory Solr 9 (or 8 for older versions) for all production deployments since v3.2.0
  • Production deployments must use external MySQL 5.x or 8.x; embedded database only for testing
  • Minimum 1 GB RAM required, 2 GB recommended; Docker installation recommended as of v4.0.0 due to complexity

Ex Libris Alma

  • Pricing is not published for Alma; the site provides no plans or figures and requires contacting a sales representative for a quote

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchivesSpace

Free
  • Very Small$300/year
    • Academic/Public Library tier (JSTOR/Artstor Very Small, etc.)
    • Non-Academic: 0-50 FTE staff
  • Small$1000/year
    • Academic/Public Library tier (JSTOR/Artstor Small, etc.)
    • Non-Academic: 51-150 FTE staff
  • Medium$3000/year
    • Academic/Public Library tier (JSTOR/Artstor Medium, etc.)
    • Non-Academic: 151-300 FTE staff
  • Large$5000/year
    • Academic/Public Library tier (JSTOR/Artstor Large, etc.)
    • Non-Academic: 301-400 FTE staff

Ex Libris Alma

On request
  • Alma Essentials$undefined/year
    • Core library services
    • Print resource management
    • Basic acquisitions
  • Alma Premium$undefined/year
    • Everything in Essentials
    • Electronic resource management
    • Digital resource management
  • Alma Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Everything in Premium
    • Multi-institution network
    • Consortia management

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchivesSpace if

  • You need accession management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want resource description.
ArchivesSpace review

Choose Ex Libris Alma if

  • You need unified resource management.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want electronic resource management.
Ex Libris Alma review

Questions people ask

Is ArchivesSpace or Ex Libris Alma better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchivesSpace starts at Free and Ex Libris Alma at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchivesSpace or Ex Libris Alma?
ArchivesSpace has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for ArchivesSpace and On request for Ex Libris Alma.
Does ArchivesSpace or Ex Libris Alma run on more platforms?
ArchivesSpace runs on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows. Ex Libris Alma runs on Web, Api.
Can I use ArchivesSpace for free?
Yes. ArchivesSpace has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request.
What is ArchivesSpace best used for?
ArchivesSpace is most often used for digital archive management, repository management, cultural heritage preservation. Of those, digital archive management and repository management are not what Ex Libris Alma is typically brought in for.
What can ArchivesSpace do that Ex Libris Alma cannot?
ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, Resource description, Digital object management, Agent and subject authorities. Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Electronic resource management, Digital asset management, Acquisitions and licensing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ArchivesSpace: Is ArchivesSpace free to use?

ArchivesSpace application is free to download and use. However, community membership is required and costs $300-$7,500 annually depending on organization type and size.

Source
Ex Libris Alma: Why doesn't Ex Libris publish Alma pricing online?

Alma uses a custom quote model. The company directs inquiries to sales representatives who tailor pricing based on institutional size, feature requirements, and implementation scope.

Source
ArchivesSpace: How much does ArchivesSpace membership cost?

Membership costs range from $300/year (Very Small institutions) to $7,500/year (Very Large institutions). Costs are based on FTE staff size for non-academic archives (0-50 staff: $300; 400+ staff: $7,500) or JSTOR/Artstor classification for academic institutions.

Source
Ex Libris Alma: Can I try Alma before committing to a purchase?

Yes, Ex Libris offers a Demo Center where you can explore Alma's capabilities in action before formal pricing discussions.

Source
ArchivesSpace: When does the ArchivesSpace membership year run?

ArchivesSpace membership runs from July 1 to June 30 each year and renews annually. New members joining outside this period receive prorated fees for their initial term.

Source
Ex Libris Alma: What support services are available separately from Alma licensing?

Ex Libris offers Professional Services and Support Services as separate offerings available in addition to the core platform license.

Source
Ex Libris Alma: How do I request pricing for Alma?

Contact Ex Libris using their contact form on the website or reach out to their sales team directly to discuss your institution's needs.

Source
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