Draft:ALMA
The most popular library service platform in Germany
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alma is a cloud-based library services platform developed by Ex Libris.[1] It is used by academic and research libraries to manage library resources and services.
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| Alma | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Ex Libris |
| Initial release | 2012 |
| Type | Library services platform |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | exlibrisgroup |
Technical features
Alma combines the functions of traditional integrated library systems (ILS) with those of electronic resource management (ERM) systems. Through its modular structure, it supports a wide range of library workflows, including acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation of physical and digital materials, digital rights management, link resolving via SFX, interlibrary loan, and the management of fines and fees.[2]
Alma is offered as a software as a service (SaaS) solution and supports multi-tenancy. Server infrastructure, database maintenance, and software updates are managed by Ex Libris. Configuration and data management are carried out via a web browser. User data are typically imported from external systems rather than collected directly within Alma. Individual libraries remain responsible for compliance with data protection regulations. For European customers, data are hosted in a data center located in Amsterdam.
The integrated tool Alma Analytics enables reporting and statistical analysis. Usage statistics for electronic resources can be generated directly within the system based on COUNTER reports.[3]
History
Alma was developed from 2009 onward by Ex Libris in cooperation with four development partners as a successor to the integrated library systems Aleph and Voyager.[4]
An early adopter program was launched in 2011.[5] Alma became commercially available in 2012 and was first implemented in production by the Boston College Library.[6]
In Germany, Alma was first introduced in January 2015 at a university library.[7] Since then, it has been adopted by numerous libraries across the DACH region. Globally, Alma is used by more than 2,000 libraries.[8]
Additional aspects
In 2022, contracts between Ex Libris and institutions such as the Berlin University of the Arts and the Technical University of Berlin were published online following a request under the German Freedom of Information Act.
Alma integrates the management of physical, electronic, and digital resources within a unified system.[9] It standardizes internal workflows across libraries and provides analytical tools as well as support for collaborative cataloguing and acquisitions.[10]