Software · head to head
FOLIO vs ArchivesSpace
ArchivesSpace
Software
Open source archives information management application
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 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.; ArchivesSpace requires Java 17 or 21 (or Java 11/17 for older versions), adding infrastructure complexity
- They diverge on capability: FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, ArchivesSpace covers Accession management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which FOLIO and ArchivesSpace actually diverge.
| Attribute | FOLIO | ArchivesSpace |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, Api | Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Founded | 2016 | 2013 |
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 FOLIO
- Modular app architecture
- Circulation and check-out
- Inventory and cataloging
- Acquisitions and invoicing
- Electronic resource management
- User management
- Agreements and licenses
- Course reserves
Only in ArchivesSpace
- Accession management
- Resource description
- Digital object management
- Agent and subject authorities
- Location management
- Assessment module
- Public user interface
- EAD/MARCXML export
Both cover
- LDAP
- Role-based access
- Self-hosted deployment
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
FOLIO
- Academic library managementnot ArchivesSpace
- Custom library applicationsnot ArchivesSpace
- Consortial systemsnot ArchivesSpace
- Electronic resource managementnot ArchivesSpace
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
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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.
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
Pricing, plan by plan
FOLIO
Free- Community EditionFree
- Modular app ecosystem
- Circulation management
- Cataloging
- Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
- Everything in Community
- Managed hosting
- Professional support
ArchivesSpace
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the ArchivesSpace review.
Which should you pick?
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.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is FOLIO or ArchivesSpace better?
- Neither clearly leads. FOLIO starts at Free and ArchivesSpace at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, FOLIO or ArchivesSpace?
- FOLIO starts at Free and ArchivesSpace at Free.
- Does FOLIO or ArchivesSpace run on more platforms?
- FOLIO runs on Web, Api. ArchivesSpace runs on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows.
- Can I use FOLIO for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is FOLIO best used for?
- FOLIO is most often used for academic library management, custom library applications, consortial systems, electronic resource management. Of those, academic library management and custom library applications are not what ArchivesSpace is typically brought in for.
- What can FOLIO do that ArchivesSpace cannot?
- FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. ArchivesSpace covers Accession management, Resource description, Digital object management, Agent and subject authorities. Both handle LDAP, Role-based access, Self-hosted deployment.