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Ex Libris Alma vs OCLC WorldShare Management Services

Ex Libris Alma logo

Ex Libris Alma

Libraries

Unified library services platform for the modern library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OCLC WorldShare Management Services logo

OCLC WorldShare Management Services

Libraries

Cloud-based library management built on WorldCat

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; OCLC WorldShare Management Services no published pricing; custom quote model based on institutional needs
  • They diverge on capability: Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, OCLC WorldShare Management Services covers WorldCat cataloging.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ex Libris Alma and OCLC WorldShare Management Services actually diverge.

Attributes where Ex Libris Alma and OCLC WorldShare Management Services differ
AttributeEx Libris AlmaOCLC WorldShare Management Services
PlatformsWeb, ApiWeb, Mobile, Api
Founded19861967

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 Ex Libris Alma

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

Only in OCLC WorldShare Management Services

  • WorldCat cataloging
  • Circulation management
  • Acquisitions and invoicing
  • License management
  • Interlibrary loan
  • WorldCat Discovery
  • Mobile circulation
  • Request management

Both cover

  • Analytics and reporting
  • Campus systems
  • SOC2
  • ISO27001
  • GDPR

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 OCLC WorldShare Management Services

OCLC WorldShare Management Services

  • Libraries relying on the shared WorldCat catalog for cataloging and resource sharingnot 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

OCLC WorldShare Management Services

  • No published pricing; custom quote model based on institutional needs

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

OCLC WorldShare Management Services

On request
  • WMS Standard$undefined/year
    • WorldCat cataloging
    • Circulation management
    • Acquisitions
  • WMS Premium$undefined/year
    • Everything in Standard
    • License Manager
    • Advanced analytics

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 OCLC WorldShare Management Services if

  • You need worldcat cataloging.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want circulation management.
OCLC WorldShare Management Services review

Questions people ask

Is Ex Libris Alma or OCLC WorldShare Management Services better?
Neither clearly leads. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request and OCLC WorldShare Management Services at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ex Libris Alma or OCLC WorldShare Management Services?
Ex Libris Alma starts at On request and OCLC WorldShare Management Services at On request.
Does Ex Libris Alma or OCLC WorldShare Management Services run on more platforms?
Ex Libris Alma runs on Web, Api. OCLC WorldShare Management Services runs on Web, Mobile, Api.
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 OCLC WorldShare Management Services is typically brought in for.
What can Ex Libris Alma do that OCLC WorldShare Management Services cannot?
Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Electronic resource management, Digital asset management, Acquisitions and licensing. OCLC WorldShare Management Services covers WorldCat cataloging, Circulation management, Acquisitions and invoicing, License management. Both handle Analytics and reporting, Campus systems, SOC2, ISO27001.

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
OCLC WorldShare Management Services: What is the pricing for OCLC WorldShare Management Services?

OCLC does not publish pricing information for WorldShare Management Services. Pricing is customized based on institutional requirements. Institutions should request personalized guidance from OCLC experts.

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
OCLC WorldShare Management Services: How do I get a quote for WorldShare?

Contact OCLC through their website contact form or request personalized guidance from expert consultants to discuss your library's specific needs and receive a customized proposal.

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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