UX, Accessibility, Infrastructure & LibOW
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User Experience, Accessibility, Infrastructure & Library Open Workflows
Overview
User Experience
Alma is designed to have a modern and intuitive interface. We aim to allow the user to be efficient and to ensure that workflows are as simple as possible. We also take accessibility into consideration, with the goal of enabling people with disabilities to easily use the software.
Accessibility
At Ex Libris, we make every effort to ensure that Alma can be used by everyone. Alma is designed and developed to meet Level A and AA of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2 AA) and Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act for features and functions. See the Alma Accessibility Statement.
Library Open Workflows (LibOW)
Library Open Workflows (LibOW) is a no/low code tool for automating processes and creating custom integrations via a drag-and-drop interface within Alma. This subscription solution allows Alma users to easily leverage the Library Open Platform capabilities – creating connections between elements like APIs, Webhooks, Cloud apps, Forms, external systems, even AI models and AI agents – without the need for deep coding knowledge or development tools. Roadmap outlines enhancements for improved and seamless integration with Alma. See Developer Network - Library Open Workflows.
2025 H2
Main Menu Simplification: Adding Simple Menu View Mode
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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In addition to the existing main menu, the librarian will have the option to enable a simplified menu view mode and will be able to navigate to entries commonly accessed, and add additional entries by marking it as favorites.
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The menu will be customizable according to your needs, allowing quick access and improved usability focusing merely on the menu entries you actually need, based on your selection.
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Menu Search Enhancement: Support 'Similar Terms' Functionality in German Language
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
|---|---|---|
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Support "similar terms" functionality in German language.
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Search-matching capabilities for non-identical terms in German language.
Note: The additional languages will be coordinated with the relevant Alma user community. |
The librarian will be able to find relevant entries in the menu based on a standard term in the same language as the interface language.
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LibOW: Alma API to trigger LibOW workflow
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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Invoke any Library Open Workflow directly via a new Alma REST API endpoint. This enhancement extends LibOW’s integration capabilities by enabling external systems to programmatically trigger complex automation sequences in Alma.
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This feature empowers customers to seamlessly integrate LibOW workflows into third party applications and ETL pipelines, reducing manual steps and accelerating end to end automation across library systems.
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2026 H1
LibOW: Unlimited Retrieve Bibs Operation
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
|---|---|---|
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The Retrieve Bibs API via the Alma API node will support handling unlimited number of bibliographic records.
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• Supply any number of IDs in one call.
• Aggregated results returned as a single dataset. |
Simplifies workflows for large scale bibliographic retrieval, eliminating manual batching and boosting developer productivity.
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LibOW: Consortia Member Can Trigger Network-Level Workflows
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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Consortia members will be able to use form-initiated workflows created by LibOW of the Network zone, from within their Alma institution.
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Consortia benefit from centralized workflow expertise, empowers consortium libraries to leverage shared automation, reducing redundant configuration and fostering collaboration, while maintaining clear governance and security across all member institutions.
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Accessibility: Annual Conformance Report (VPAT)
| What's New | Highlights | Impact |
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An updated Conformance Report on the newest compliance with WCAG 2.2 Levels A and AA, covering the new layout.
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Menu Search Enhancement: Support 'Similar Terms' Functionality in French Language
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
|---|---|---|
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Support "similar terms" functionality in French language.
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Search-matching capabilities for non-identical terms in French language.
Note: The additional languages will be coordinated with the relevant Alma user community. |
The librarian will be able to find relevant entries in the menu based on a standard term in the same language as the interface language.
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back to User Experience & Accessibility Roadmap
2026 H2
LibOW: LibOW Usage Analytics in Alma
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
|---|---|---|
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A new subject area in Alma Analytics will provides reporting on Library Open Workflow usage, enabling insights into frequency, operators, and efficiency metrics. |
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This enhancement allows institutions to evaluate the impact of workflow automation, demonstrate time savings, and support data-driven operational decisions. |
LibOW: Workflow Execution Tracking
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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A new monitoring interface will provide real-time visibility into all Library Open Workflow executions. Each run will be logged with user attribution, timestamps, and status. |
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Customers will gain transparency into workflow usage, enabling easier debugging, auditing, and tracking of automation patterns over time. |
Add NOT Operator to Advanced Search
CERV Enhancement (ID #36492)
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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Libraries will be able to exclude a group of search conditions using the NOT operator in Advanced Search. |
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Provides more accurate search results with less effort, especially for complex queries. |
Support Catalog Fuzzy Search
CERV Enhancement (ID #36332)
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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The Basic Search will be able to offer fuzzy search suggestions using a “Did you mean?” feature. |
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Enhances search accuracy and user experience by reducing failed searches, supporting multilingual environments, and allowing flexible configuration. |
Enhanced Audit Trail: Tracking Staff IDs for Manual Jobs and Key Acquisition Workflows
CERV Enhancement (ID #36485)
| What’s New | Highlights | Impact |
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Alma will now capture and display the Primary ID of the staff member who initiates manual jobs and selected acquisition workflows (Initiating packaging |
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Customers gain precise workload metrics for rostering and trend analysis, and can rapidly contact the responsible staff for troubleshooting, improving operational efficiency and support responsiveness. |
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