2018 School Spending Survey Report
Enhancing Efficiency and Simplicity: The New UX in Alma
Ex Libris has introduced a redesigned user experience in Alma, focused on enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and usability. Developed in close collaboration with the library community, the update reflects a deep commitment to a user-centered design.
Ex Libris has introduced a redesigned user experience in Alma, focused on enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and usability. Developed in close collaboration with the library community, the update reflects a deep commitment to a user-centered design.
At Ex Libris, improving the user experience (UX) is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment. We continually ask ourselves how we can better support library staff in their daily work: how we can simplify complex workflows, improve access to data, and deliver an interface that feels modern, intuitive, and inclusive. The new user experience in Alma reflects that commitment. It is the result of focused design thinking, feedback from our global user community, and a dedication to technological innovation.
Reimagining Repository Search
One of the most significant transformations comes with the redesign of Alma’s Repository Search. This core functionality has been reworked using new UI concepts that prioritize speed, clarity, and usability. The result is a faster, simpler, and more powerful search experience that directly improves user productivity.
With the new design, Alma presents a consolidated view of all relevant record data across all applicable title searches. That means fewer steps, fewer clicks, and less need to remember which path leads to which data. All the information needed is now available wherever it's contextually relevant—an improvement that not only saves time but also reduces cognitive load for staff.
Performance as a Foundation of UX
Performance is at the heart of a good user experience. No matter how beautiful an interface is, it cannot deliver value unless it's fast and responsive. That's why the transition to the new Repository Search is supported by a major technological upgrade behind the scenes. This investment has led to a noticeable improvement in system performance, especially in search speed and responsiveness.
These enhancements allow library staff to work more efficiently, reducing wait times and enabling them to focus on the content and actions that matter most. A more responsive system also means fewer interruptions in service—especially critical during peak hours or when assisting patrons at service desks.
“I was pleased to see that what I wanted with All Title Search has continued to be there—like the Expand All functionality. It’s been great to participate and feel like Ex Libris is truly listening to feedback.”
— Catherine Grove, Head of Metadata Services, Northwestern University
A User-Centric Design Philosophy
Alma’s updated UX isn’t just more functional—it’s also more intuitive and accessible. The new design was created to support how people actually work, minimizing unnecessary complexity and making common actions more obvious and streamlined. We’ve also made accessibility a core design principle, ensuring that people with disabilities can navigate and use Alma with ease.
From visual hierarchy to keyboard navigation and screen reader support, we are committed to building an inclusive experience that meets the needs of all users.
System-Wide Workflow Simplification
While the visual redesign is a noticeable change, Ex Libris has also embarked on a broader initiative aimed at workflow simplification across Alma’s functional areas. One example is the Fulfillment area, where the updated experience provides smoother navigation and cleaner layouts, allowing staff to complete tasks with greater ease.
A New Circulation Desk Experience
Frontline staff benefit significantly from these enhancements. The redesigned Circulation Desk interface is purpose-built for speed and clarity—ensuring that staff can quickly access the tools and data they need to serve patrons efficiently. This not only reduces staff workload, but also shortens wait times for end users, improving the overall service experience.
Built with—and for—the Community
What makes Alma’s evolution unique is the collaborative spirit behind it. Ex Libris fosters a robust user community that actively shapes the platform’s development. Through working groups, user studies, enhancement voting, and direct collaboration, librarians around the world contribute their ideas, feedback, and real-world use cases to guide the direction of the product.
Working groups—formed around specific Alma functionalities—meet regularly with Ex Libris staff to advocate for improvements, discuss user needs, and track enhancement proposals. These groups ensure that development efforts stay grounded in actual library operations and that new features are aligned with real-world priorities.
This dynamic feedback loop creates a living platform—one that grows and evolves in step with the changing needs of libraries. Our users are not just customers; they are collaborators, co-creators, and advocates.
Conclusion: A UX That Works
The new user experience in Alma is more than a visual upgrade. It’s a thoughtful, user-driven evolution aimed at improving the everyday reality of library work. With faster tools, simpler workflows, and a more inclusive design, we are helping libraries do more—with less friction and greater confidence.
At Ex Libris, our goal is to keep listening, keep improving, and keep partnering with our community to deliver solutions that truly make a difference.
Learn more about Ex Libris Alma library management system.
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