The National Library of Spain (BNE) has successfully implemented the Alma digital resource management and Primo discovery platforms from Ex Libris™, a part of Clarivate™, marking a significant technological upgrade aimed at boosting both staff efficiency and user experience.
This launch is part of the BNE’s ongoing efforts to modernize its systems and improve service delivery. The transition from legacy systems, including previous migrations from Sabini and Ariadna in the late 1980s, Unicorn in 2007, and Symphony in 2017, to the unified, cloud-based Alma and Primo platforms represents a transformative step forward. These new platforms are designed to streamline the library's resource management processes, including lending, cataloging, acquisitions, and serial publications management.
The BNE anticipates that adopting a cloud services model will bring substantial benefits in infrastructure management and maintenance, while also enhancing the library’s ability to manage both physical and electronic collections. Notably, the new system will support automated procedures for Legal Deposit management and improve the integration of different types of publications.
For library users, the upgrade offers a revitalized online experience. The new system includes a personal area where users can manage consultation requests, save records and searches, and export data in various citation formats compatible with bibliographic management systems. The search interface has been enhanced with faceted, voice, and artificial intelligence (AI) search capabilities, providing a more intuitive and efficient way to navigate the library’s extensive collections. The modernized graphic and functional design, coupled with mobile readiness, ensures that bibliographic information is presented and grouped more effectively.
Users can explore the BNE’s newly upgraded catalog online at https://catalogo.bne.es.
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