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Ex Libris Alma vs Libby

Ex Libris Alma logo

Ex Libris Alma

Libraries

Unified library services platform for the modern library

From
On request
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

  • Only Libby has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 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; 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: Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource 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 Ex Libris Alma and Libby actually diverge.

Attributes where Ex Libris Alma and Libby differ
AttributeEx Libris AlmaLibby
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree with a participating library card, no subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, ApiiOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks)
Founded1986Unknown

Identical on both: 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 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

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.

Ex Libris Alma

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

Libby

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

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

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 Ex Libris Alma if

  • You need unified resource management.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want electronic resource management.
Ex Libris Alma 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 Ex Libris Alma or Libby better?
Neither clearly leads. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request and Libby at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ex Libris Alma or Libby?
Libby has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Ex Libris Alma and Free for Libby.
Does Ex Libris Alma or Libby run on more platforms?
Ex Libris Alma runs on Web, Api. Libby runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
Can I use Libby for free?
Yes. Libby has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request.
What is Ex Libris Alma best used for?
Ex Libris Alma is most often used for academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platform. Of those, academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platform is not what Libby is typically brought in for.
What can Ex Libris Alma do that Libby cannot?
Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Electronic resource management, Digital asset management, Acquisitions and licensing. Libby covers Library card authentication, Holds queues, Multi-library support, OverDrive Read and Listen.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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.

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
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.

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
Libby: Can I use Libby without a library card?

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

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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