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ArchivesSpace vs Libby

ArchivesSpace logo

ArchivesSpace

Libraries

Open source archives information management application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libby logo

Libby

Libraries

Free ebook and audiobook app from OverDrive, gated entirely on an active public library card

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; Libby popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • They diverge on capability: ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, Libby covers Library card authentication.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchivesSpace and Libby actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchivesSpace and Libby differ
AttributeArchivesSpaceLibby
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree with a participating library card, no subscription
PlatformsUbuntu Linux, macOS, WindowsiOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks)
Founded2013Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Libby

  • Library card authentication
  • Holds queues
  • Multi-library support
  • OverDrive Read and Listen
  • Send to Kindle
  • Tags and shelves

What people use each for

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

ArchivesSpace

  • Digital archive managementnot Libby
  • Repository managementnot Libby
  • Cultural heritage preservationnot Libby

Libby

  • A reader who wants free access to bestsellers and is willing to wait weeks in a holds queue for popular new releasesnot ArchivesSpace
  • Someone who holds cards for multiple library systems and wants to widen their available catalogue in one appnot ArchivesSpace
  • A reader who wants ebooks sent directly to a Kindle without buying themnot ArchivesSpace
  • A budget-conscious reader who already pays library taxes and wants to use the benefit fully instead of also paying for Everand or Storytelnot 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

Libby

  • Popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • Borrow and hold limits are set per library, so the experience is inconsistent between library systems and can change without notice.
  • Not every library subscribes to OverDrive, and even those that do vary hugely in how many digital copies of any given title they can afford to licence.
  • It requires a real library card tied to residency or another eligibility rule in most systems, so it is not available to everyone regardless of willingness to pay.
  • There is no offline bulk downloading beyond what is borrowed, and loan periods expire automatically, returning the book whether or not you finished it.

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

Libby

Free
  • LibbyFree
    • Free with an eligible library card
    • Borrow limits set by your library, not Libby
    • Holds queues on licensed copies

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 Libby if

  • You need library card authentication.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
  • You also want holds queues.
Libby review

Questions people ask

Is ArchivesSpace or Libby better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchivesSpace starts at Free and Libby at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchivesSpace or Libby?
ArchivesSpace starts at Free and Libby at Free.
Does ArchivesSpace or Libby run on more platforms?
ArchivesSpace runs on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows. Libby runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
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 digital archive management, repository management, cultural heritage preservation. Of those, digital archive management and repository management are not what Libby is typically brought in for.
What can ArchivesSpace do that Libby cannot?
ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, Resource description, Digital object management, Agent and subject authorities. Libby covers Library card authentication, Holds queues, Multi-library support, OverDrive Read and Listen.

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
Libby: Do I pay for Libby?

No, it is free, but you need an active card from a library that uses the OverDrive/Libby system.

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
Libby: Why is the book I want unavailable?

Libraries licence a limited number of digital copies, so popular titles go into a holds queue just like physical books.

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
Libby: Can I use Libby without a library card?

No, a valid card and PIN from a participating library are required for every feature.

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