Software · head to head
FOLIO vs Ex Libris Alma
Ex Libris Alma
Software
Unified library services platform for the modern library
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only FOLIO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- 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.; 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: FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which FOLIO and Ex Libris Alma actually diverge.
| Attribute | FOLIO | Ex Libris Alma |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | open-source | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Founded | 2016 | 1986 |
Identical on both: platforms (Web, Api), 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
- User management
- Agreements and licenses
- Course reserves
- Custom app development
Only in Ex Libris Alma
- Unified resource management
- Digital asset management
- Acquisitions and licensing
- Circulation and fulfillment
- Analytics and reporting
- Resource sharing
- Consortia support
- API ecosystem
Both cover
- Electronic resource management
- OCLC
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
FOLIO
- Academic library managementnot Ex Libris Alma
- Custom library applicationsnot Ex Libris Alma
- Consortial systemsnot Ex Libris Alma
- Electronic resource managementnot Ex Libris Alma
Ex Libris Alma
- Academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platformnot 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.
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
FOLIO
Free- Community EditionFree
- Modular app ecosystem
- Circulation management
- Cataloging
- Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
- Everything in Community
- Managed hosting
- Professional support
Ex Libris Alma
On request- Alma Essentials$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 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 Ex Libris Alma if
- You need unified resource management.
- You work on Web, Api.
- You also want digital asset management.
Questions people ask
- Is FOLIO or Ex Libris Alma better?
- Neither clearly leads. FOLIO starts at Free 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, FOLIO or Ex Libris Alma?
- FOLIO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for FOLIO and On request for Ex Libris Alma.
- Does FOLIO or Ex Libris Alma run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, Api, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use FOLIO for free?
- Yes. FOLIO has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request.
- 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 Ex Libris Alma is typically brought in for.
- What can FOLIO do that Ex Libris Alma cannot?
- FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Digital asset management, Acquisitions and licensing, Circulation and fulfillment. Both handle Electronic resource management, OCLC.