Library Open Workflows is a new no-code solution from Ex Libris that empowers libraries to create customized, secure, and efficient workflows across their systems. Designed for accessibility and innovation, it simplifies complex integrations and enhances operational agility. General availability is expected in May 2025.

In a major step toward next-generation library services, Ex Libris has launched Library Open Workflows (LibOW)—a groundbreaking no-code solution that empowers libraries to build powerful, flexible integrations within their ecosystems, all without requiring coding expertise. Designed to reduce technical barriers and streamline operations, Library Open Workflows marks a transformative moment in the way libraries integrate, automate, and optimize their processes.

The launch of the Library Open Workflows development partnership program in late November 2024 was a key milestone in this initiative. The virtual kick-off event gathered participants from 12 pioneering institutions across the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia—demonstrating the global excitement and commitment to this new chapter in library innovation.

Redefining Integration: What is Library Open Workflows?

Library Open Workflows is a groundbreaking solution designed to help libraries build powerful, flexible integrations using the Ex Libris Library Open Platform. The no-code, visual development tool allows libraries to design and customize processes without deep technical expertise—making automation and optimization more accessible than ever before.

With Library Open Workflows, institutions benefit from:

• Lower Technical Barriers: By removing the need for coding knowledge and development environments, more staff members can contribute to process improvement and innovation.
• Empowered Problem Solving: The platform simplifies the creation of workflows that tackle complex challenges, making previously daunting projects feasible.
• Standardization and Centralization: Library operations become more uniform and manageable across departments and systems.
• Reduced Reliance on Experts: Staff can build, edit, and deploy workflows independently, allowing for quicker implementation.
• Security and Stability: Workflows operate within a secure environment, maintaining system integrity and compliance.
• Future-Readiness: The tool is built to evolve, adapting alongside the changing needs of modern libraries.

Global Momentum: Highlights from the Development Partner Kick-Off Event

The enthusiasm at the kick-off event was palpable, with institutions expressing excitement about being part of a transformative movement.

One standout moment came from Caroline Serrano of the University of Sydney, who joined the session at 3:00 AM local time, exemplifying the dedication and global interest in the initiative.

Mathias Kratzer of the Bavarian State Library in Munich recalled first hearing about the platform at the IGeLU (International Group of Ex Libris Users) conference, noting: “We all said, that’s what we need. And so, we’re here now and very excited.”

Dominik Bláha from the Swiss Library Service Platform shared similar enthusiasm: “We first heard about this amazing project at IGeLU and immediately fell in love.”

Rebecca Harris-Pierce, a systems librarian at the National Agricultural Library, added: “I was at ELUNA and saw Shai’s presentation. I immediately came up with 20 use cases off the top of my head.”

The event featured a presentation by Shai Ben-Hur, VP of Platform R&D at Ex Libris, showcasing key features of Library Open Workflows and igniting a lively discussion around testing, feedback loops, and the communication channels between development partners and Ex Libris. This feedback-rich environment ensures that the platform is shaped by real-world library needs.

Building Together: The LibOW "Partner Power Hour" Series

Momentum continued with the successful launch of the first Library Open Workflows "Partner Power Hour" —a series of sessions focused on idea-sharing, use case demonstration, and community engagement. With more than 60 attendees from partner institutions joining the first session, the event spotlighted the platform’s impact on everyday library operations.

Tuomo Seppänen from Tampere University, Finland, demonstrated an automated invoice creation process in Alma. His example showcased how automation can dramatically reduce manual workload, improve accuracy, and streamline backend operations.

Kasper Løvschall from Aalborg University Library, Denmark, presented a clever workflow that automatically blocks physical requests for patrons with unresolved account issues, helping to enhance both patron experience and staff efficiency.

In addition to workflow presentations by community members, the session emphasized community collaboration. Participants discussed Alma’s embedded sharing functionality as a way to exchange workflows and proposed creating an “experimental” category to encourage innovation while allowing room for trial and error. The session also fostered networking and set the stage for future collaborations between institutions.

The second Power Hour, recently held, demonstrated the group’s growing familiarity with LibOW sparking even more dynamic discussions highlighting new use cases and inventive approaches to workflow design.

Unlocking the Potential of Community and Connectivity

A core strength of Ex Libris products like Alma has always been the vibrant and collaborative development community surrounding them. Library Open Workflows takes this spirit further, creating a shared space where libraries can build on each other’s work and reimagine what’s possible together.

One of the standout features of LibOW is the ability to link web forms to workflows, where user inputs become process triggers. This dramatically increases the flexibility and scalability of workflows, enabling libraries to develop powerful, user-centric solutions.

The platform also includes built-in support for making workflows accessible across institutions—fueling the kind of knowledge sharing that underpins lasting innovation.

Looking Ahead

The general release of Library Open Workflows is scheduled for May 2025, and excitement is only growing. As development partners continue testing, exploring, and building, they are also shaping the future of the platform—ensuring that it aligns closely with the evolving challenges and aspirations of academic and research libraries worldwide.

With its no-code interface, robust security, and expansive flexibility, Library Open Workflows represents a bold leap forward in library technology. Even more importantly, it reflects a deep commitment to collaboration—one that empowers libraries not just to manage their operations, but to transform them.

Stay tuned for more updates as this inspiring initiative continues to develop—and as libraries everywhere take their place at the forefront of innovation.

Read more about Library Open Workflows.


 

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