The collaboration will provide mutual customers with a new acquisition process compatible with both Ex Libris Alma and the HARRASSOWITZ acquisitions systems. Library staff will benefit from enhanced selection and acquisition workflows resulting in increased efficiency.

I spoke with Friedemann Weigel, Managing Partner and Director of Sales at HARRASSOWITZ, who commented that: “Libraries depend on HARRASSOWITZ and its global partners for a high level of joint collaboration designed to enhance the efficiency of acquisition procedures and other workflows. This initiative takes advantage of both companies’ newest technologies, resulting in significant value to our mutual customers.”

The collaboration will enable libraries to reduce the costs associated with acquisitions and avoid unnecessary spending. Leveraging Alma’s open architecture, the first deliverable of this project will automatically update Alma with all print and electronic purchasing transactions. As a result, librarians will be spared the task of replicating these transactions in the Alma interface. This simplifies the operational process and allows librarians more time to provide valuable services to end users.

Ex Libris and HARRASSOWITZ plan to release the first delivery of this integration during the second half of 2015, followed by further developments as part of the two companies’ long-term plan.
If you would like to find out more about this collaboration, please don’t hesitate to contact us.