We’re pleased to announce the successful completion of the Library Open Workflows Development Partner Program. This collaborative initiative marked a critical milestone in the evolution of Library Open Workflows (LibOW), a new, flexible framework that empowers libraries to automate and streamline their operations directly within Alma.
Library Open Workflows provides an intuitive, visual environment for building and managing workflows. It enables institutions to connect services, configure actions, and automate processes tailored to their unique needs, all without complex coding. By adding a layer of orchestration over Alma’s existing capabilities, LibOW offers greater efficiency, agility, and control in managing library operations.
The Development Partner Program played a key role in shaping this solution based on the real – world needs and insights of our Alma community.
First introduced in late 2024, the program engaged a group of development partners from across the globe in a focused effort to test, build, and refine workflow use cases using the Library Open Workflows framework. Throughout the program, partners had early access to LibOW and participated in structured activities, including kickoff sessions, one-on-one consultations, thematic Power Hour meetings, and continuous feedback exchanges.
Key Outcomes and Achievements:
Through Power Hours, Basecamp discussions, and hands-on use cases, developers, systems librarians, and library managers contributed actionable ideas that shaped LibOW’s design. Key results included:
- Real-time enhancements based on direct partner input
- New capabilities: OAI harvesting, SRU search, Alma email nodes, Alma Parameters, and consortial network nodes
- Simplified process control via UI-based workflow parameters
- Expanded integrations: Jira, Gmail, Google Sheets, Salesforce, JotForm, and more
- Improved UX: Summary monitoring banners, extended logs, and custom forms
As part of our collaboration with development partners, we recently hosted a webinar exploring how LibOW supports operations across library teams. Librarians from the University of Kentucky and the Bavarian State Library shared how they are using LibOW to design and refine workflows using intuitive, no-code tools. The session is now available on demand here and offers practical insights into how libraries are approaching workflow automation and innovation through shared, open platforms.
This close collaboration allowed the Ex Libris team to implement improvements faster than traditional product cycles, bringing real library needs to life almost instantly.
A Model for Collaborative Innovation
The Developer Partner Program provides a unique opportunity for participating institutions to directly influence product direction. By working closely with Ex Libris teams, partners helped to ensure that Library Open Workflows evolved into a practical, adaptable, and scalable solution.
“Our Developer Partner Program has shown what’s possible when innovation is driven by community collaboration. The feedback and creativity from our partners have been vital in shaping Library Open Workflows into a powerful built-in capability of Alma; flexible, intuitive, and designed to support the evolving needs of libraries.”
— Dana Moshkovits, Senior Director, Product Management, A&G
Looking Ahead
The program officially concluded on July 31, 2025. While the intensive collaboration phase is coming to an end, development on Library Open Workflows will continue through standard release cycles. We invite all Alma customers to stay involved by sharing feedback, exploring new workflows, and connecting with us through established product channels and community touchpoints.
We extend our thanks to all participating institutions for their time, expertise, and dedication. Your collaboration has been instrumental in shaping Library Open Workflows into the powerful framework it is today.
Together, we are setting a new standard for library process automation: flexible, configurable, and driven by the needs of the community.
Learn more about Library Open Workflows: https://developers.exlibrisgroup.com/libraryopenworkflows/
