Ex Libris and Harrassowitz to provide 'streamlined acquisition process'

Booksellers and subscription agent Harrassowitz is to join forces with Ex Libris Group with the aim of providing library staff with a streamlined acquisition process. The collaboration will enable libraries to reduce costs associated with acquisitions and to avoid unnecessary spending, the two companies say.

Using Ex Libris' Alma open architecture, the first version of this project will automatically update Alma with all print and electronic purchasing transactions that are made through the Harrassowitz acquisitions systems.

As a result, librarians will be spared the task of replicating these transactions in the Alma interface. Ex Libris and Harrassowitz plan to release the first delivery of the integration during the second half of 2015, followed by further developments as part of the two companies’ long-term collaboration plan.

'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,' said Friedemann Weigel, managing partner and director of sales at Harrassowitz. 'This initiative takes advantage of both companies’ newest technologies, resulting in significant value to our mutual customers.'

Dvir Hoffman, vice president for product management and marketing at Ex Libris, added: 'Collaborations such as this one are a central element of our strategy for Alma. By leveraging Alma’s open interfaces in conjunction with external service providers, we can extend and strengthen the service we deliver to libraries. As a result, library staff will be able to simplify their operational processes and dedicate more time to providing valuable services to end users.'