Alma is a cloud-based library services platform developed by Ex Libris, designed to help libraries manage all their resources—print, electronic, and digital—within a single unified system.
Introduced as a modern alternative to traditional integrated library systems (ILS), Alma streamlines core library operations such as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and resource sharing. It supports collaborative workflows and integrates seamlessly with discovery tools like Primo.
A key strength of Alma is its cloud infrastructure, which eliminates the need for local servers and enables continuous updates, scalability, and remote access. It also leverages analytics and linked data technologies to improve decision-making and metadata management.
Overall, Alma is widely used by academic, research, and national libraries worldwide for its efficiency, flexibility, and support for modern library standards.
📊 Flexible BIBFRAME Cataloging with Linked Open Data Editor (Alma)
🆕 What’s New?
Launch of Linked Open Data (LOD) Editor in Alma
Enables direct BIBFRAME cataloging inside Alma
Fully integrated into existing cataloging workflows
🧩 Core Concept
Flexible, ontology-guided cataloging
Works with BIBFRAME Work & Instance entities
Uses form-based interface instead of MARC-only editing
Supports gradual shift from MARC to linked data
⚙️ Key Features
📝 Form-based editor (user-friendly)
🧱 Template creation based on ontology
🔗 Linked data lookup services (authorities, vocabularies)
🔄 Seamless Alma integration (no system switching)
📚 Out-of-the-box templates for standards compliance
🔍 Cataloging Enhancements
Record Work & Instance creation/editing
Use of URIs + controlled vocabularies
Support for:
Drafts & record locking
Admin controls
Manual URI entry
Improved navigation & usability
🌐 Linked Data Advantages
🌍 Better interoperability across systems
🔗 Rich connections between resources
📈 Improved metadata quality & discoverability
⚡ More efficient cataloging workflows
🔄 Transition Strategy
Supports MARC + BIBFRAME coexistence
Allows gradual adoption of linked data
Minimizes disruption to existing workflows
🤝 Community & Development
Developed with early-access library feedback
Encourages collaborative cataloging
Aligns with evolving linked data standards
🎯 Overall Impact
➡️ Makes BIBFRAME practical and accessible
➡️ Enables libraries to experiment and scale adoption
➡️ Moves cataloging toward a linked open data future
SEE ALSO
REFERENCES
){kind=link}