About
Ex Libris is an enterprise-grade library technology platform designed to meet the complex needs of academic institutions, research libraries, and public libraries globally. As part of Clarivate, Ex Libris combines decades of domain expertise with cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and linked open data to deliver a comprehensive ecosystem of library tools. At its core, Alma provides a unified library management system for effective resource management, insightful analytics, and collaborative network workflows. For discovery, Primo and Summon offer powerful search experiences with centralized indexing and relevance ranking, helping users find academic content quickly. Leganto revolutionizes course resource management with an AI-powered Syllabus Assistant, supporting hybrid and online learning environments while promoting affordable learning through open educational resources. The platform extends to research services via Esploro, digital preservation through Rosetta, campus engagement with campusM, and resource sharing through Rapido and RapidILL. Additionally, Ex Libris supports linked open data, cloud services, and professional services for large-scale system consolidation. Designed for higher education administrators, librarians, students, and researchers, Ex Libris is ideal for universities, community colleges, and consortia looking to modernize their library infrastructure, improve student outcomes, and embrace AI-driven workflows.
Key Features
- Alma Library Management System: A unified cloud-based platform for managing library resources, workflows, analytics, and collaborative networks across institutions.
- Primo & Summon Discovery Platforms: Powerful academic discovery tools with central indexing, relevance ranking, and exploration services to help users find research content efficiently.
- Leganto AI Syllabus Assistant: AI-powered course resource management tool that streamlines reading list creation, supports hybrid learning, and promotes affordable educational resources.
- Esploro Research Services: A comprehensive research information management system for tracking, showcasing, and managing institutional research outputs and profiles.
- Rosetta Digital Preservation: An enterprise digital preservation solution ensuring long-term access and integrity of digital collections and institutional assets.
Use Cases
- Academic libraries managing large collections of physical and digital resources using Alma for unified cataloging, acquisitions, and analytics.
- University instructors and course designers using Leganto to build AI-assisted reading lists and course resource materials for hybrid and online classes.
- Research institutions leveraging Esploro to track, manage, and showcase institutional research outputs and faculty profiles.
- Library consortia using Rapido and RapidILL for efficient interlibrary loan and resource sharing across member institutions.
- Universities seeking to modernize their digital infrastructure through linked open data, cloud-based library systems, and conversational discovery experiences.
Pros
- Comprehensive Integrated Suite: Covers the full library lifecycle—management, discovery, course resources, research services, and digital preservation—in one ecosystem.
- AI & Linked Open Data Innovation: Actively integrates generative AI and linked open data technologies to modernize library operations and improve user discovery experiences.
- Strong Global Community & Support: Backed by a large network of user groups, a developer community, content providers, and professional services for implementation and training.
Cons
- Enterprise Complexity: The broad product suite can be complex to implement and configure, often requiring dedicated IT staff and professional services engagement.
- Opaque Pricing: Pricing is not publicly listed and requires direct engagement with the sales team, making budget planning difficult upfront.
- Primarily Suited for Large Institutions: The platform is optimized for universities and large library networks; smaller libraries or solo institutions may find it over-engineered for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ex Libris Alma?
Alma is Ex Libris's flagship cloud-based library management system that handles acquisitions, cataloging, fulfillment, and analytics for academic and research libraries.
How does Leganto support course resource management?
Leganto allows instructors to create and manage reading lists tied to course materials, integrating directly with the library catalog and supporting affordable learning through open educational resources. The AI Syllabus Assistant further automates list creation.
What discovery platforms does Ex Libris offer?
Ex Libris offers Primo and Summon as its primary discovery platforms, both providing centralized indexing of academic content with advanced relevance ranking and exploration capabilities.
Is Ex Libris suitable for community colleges?
Yes, Ex Libris offers specific configurations for community colleges, including Leganto for Community Colleges and campusM for mobile campus engagement, tailored to the needs of smaller academic institutions.
Does Ex Libris use artificial intelligence?
Yes, Ex Libris has integrated generative AI across its products, including the Leganto AI Syllabus Assistant, AI-driven discovery features, and broader GenAI initiatives aimed at enhancing library services and workflows.
