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Software · head to head

ArchivesSpace vs FOLIO

ArchivesSpace logo

ArchivesSpace

Software

Open source archives information management application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FOLIO logo

FOLIO

Software

The open source library services platform reimagined

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchivesSpace requires Java 17 or 21 (or Java 11/17 for older versions), adding infrastructure complexity; FOLIO fOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.
  • They diverge on capability: ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, FOLIO covers Modular app architecture.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchivesSpace and FOLIO actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchivesSpace and FOLIO differ
AttributeArchivesSpaceFOLIO
PlatformsUbuntu Linux, macOS, WindowsWeb, Api
Founded20132016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 FOLIO

  • Modular app architecture
  • Circulation and check-out
  • Inventory and cataloging
  • Acquisitions and invoicing
  • Electronic resource management
  • User management
  • Agreements and licenses
  • Course reserves

Both cover

  • Role-based access
  • LDAP
  • Self-hosted deployment

What people use each for

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

ArchivesSpace

  • Archives and manuscripts repositories providing web access to collectionsnot FOLIO
  • Institutions managing digital objects alongside traditional archival materialsnot FOLIO
  • Community-supported archival organisations seeking open-source solutionsnot FOLIO

FOLIO

  • Academic library managementnot ArchivesSpace
  • Custom library applicationsnot ArchivesSpace
  • Consortial systemsnot ArchivesSpace
  • Electronic resource managementnot 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

FOLIO

  • FOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchivesSpace

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchivesSpace review.

FOLIO

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Modular app ecosystem
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
  • Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
    • Everything in Community
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

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 FOLIO if

  • You need modular app architecture.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want circulation and check-out.
FOLIO review

Questions people ask

Is ArchivesSpace or FOLIO better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchivesSpace starts at Free and FOLIO at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchivesSpace or FOLIO?
ArchivesSpace starts at Free and FOLIO at Free.
Does ArchivesSpace or FOLIO run on more platforms?
ArchivesSpace runs on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows. FOLIO runs on Web, Api.
Can I use ArchivesSpace for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is ArchivesSpace best used for?
ArchivesSpace is most often used for archives and manuscripts repositories providing web access to collections, institutions managing digital objects alongside traditional archival materials, community-supported archival organisations seeking open-source solutions. Of those, archives and manuscripts repositories providing web access to collections and institutions managing digital objects alongside traditional archival materials are not what FOLIO is typically brought in for.
What can ArchivesSpace do that FOLIO cannot?
ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, Resource description, Digital object management, Agent and subject authorities. FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. Both handle Role-based access, LDAP, Self-hosted deployment.
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