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Libraries · head to head

Axiell Collections vs Ex Libris Alma

Axiell Collections logo

Axiell Collections

Libraries

Comprehensive museum and archive collections management

From
On request
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

  • Each has a real cost: Axiell Collections not user-friendly for non-cataloger roles; researchers find the interface database-like rather than web-like; 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: Axiell Collections covers Object cataloging, 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 Axiell Collections and Ex Libris Alma actually diverge.

Attributes where Axiell Collections and Ex Libris Alma differ
AttributeAxiell CollectionsEx Libris Alma
PlatformsWebWeb, Api
Founded19851986

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 Axiell Collections

  • Object cataloging
  • Loans and exhibitions
  • Conservation management
  • Location and movement
  • Acquisition and disposal
  • Rights management
  • Public portal
  • Advanced search

Only in Ex Libris Alma

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

Both cover

  • Digital asset management
  • SOC2
  • ISO27001
  • GDPR

What people use each for

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

Axiell Collections

  • Museum collection managementnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Archive managementnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Exhibition planningnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Conservation trackingnot Ex Libris Alma

Ex Libris Alma

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

Where each one falls short

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

Axiell Collections

  • Not user-friendly for non-cataloger roles; researchers find the interface database-like rather than web-like
  • Limited visibility for user reviews and feedback, making it difficult to assess real-world experiences
  • Complex data requirements such as strict formatting for image titles, including accent mark sensitivity
  • Custom pricing with quotation-based model lacks transparency for budgeting
  • May present complexity challenges for institutions with very small or simple collections

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

Axiell Collections

On request
  • Standard$undefined/year
    • Object cataloging
    • Digital asset management
    • Location tracking
  • Professional$undefined/year
    • Everything in Standard
    • Loans and exhibitions
    • Conservation management
  • Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Everything in Professional
    • Multi-site support
    • Custom workflows

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 Axiell Collections if

  • You need object cataloging.
  • You also want loans and exhibitions.
Axiell Collections 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 Axiell Collections or Ex Libris Alma better?
Neither clearly leads. Axiell Collections starts at On request 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, Axiell Collections or Ex Libris Alma?
Axiell Collections starts at On request and Ex Libris Alma at On request.
Does Axiell Collections or Ex Libris Alma run on more platforms?
Axiell Collections runs on Web. Ex Libris Alma runs on Web, Api.
What is Axiell Collections best used for?
Axiell Collections is most often used for museum collection management, archive management, exhibition planning, conservation tracking. Of those, museum collection management and archive management are not what Ex Libris Alma is typically brought in for.
What can Axiell Collections do that Ex Libris Alma cannot?
Axiell Collections covers Object cataloging, Loans and exhibitions, Conservation management, Location and movement. Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Electronic resource management, Acquisitions and licensing, Circulation and fulfillment. Both handle Digital asset management, SOC2, ISO27001, GDPR.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Axiell Collections: Does Axiell Collections offer a free trial?

Axiell Collections pricing is quotation-based with no publicly disclosed pricing or free trial information available. Interested organizations must contact Axiell directly for pricing quotes tailored to their institution's needs.

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
Axiell Collections: What deployment options does Axiell Collections support?

Axiell Collections supports both managed hosting through Axiell's data centers in the USA, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden, as well as on-premises deployment for institutions with specific requirements.

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
Axiell Collections: What standards does Axiell Collections comply with?

Axiell Collections complies with archival standards including ISAD(G), ISAAR(CPF), EAD, DACS, and EAC-CPF, and museum standards including SPECTRUM, LIDO, and EN 15907. For libraries, it supports AACR2, ISBD, RDA, ISSN, and ISBN.

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
Axiell Collections: Does Axiell Collections provide an API for integration?

Yes, Axiell Collections includes an open REST Web API that allows third-party applications and discovery layers to access the collections database. The API can be configured for any part of the system and supports multiple integration methods including URL requests, data windows, and jQuery plugins.

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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