ArchivesSpace
ArchivesSpace is free, open-source software for archives to record accessions, describe collections and publish finding aids online.
ArchivesSpace is free, open-source software that archives use to record accessions, describe collections and publish finding aids. It suits universities, libraries, museums and other repositories with IT support. Optional membership, from $300 to $7,500 a year, adds support and training.
The standard free choice for archives that can host it or pay someone to.
Free, open-source archives management software for describing collections and publishing finding aids, backed by a paying member community.
ArchivesSpace covers the archival workflow end to end, from accession to public finding aid, and speaks the metadata standards archivists need. The software costs nothing, but it is not plug-and-play: you need Java, MySQL and Solr, or a hosting partner. Membership is where support and training come from, so budget for it if you lack in-house expertise.
Free, standards-based and maintained by the archives community itself.
Running it needs server skills or a paid host, and support comes with membership.
ArchivesSpace cost: software and membership
| Option | Annual fee | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| ArchivesSpace software | $0 | Anyone; ECL 2.0 open source, self-hosted or via a provider |
| Membership: Very Small | $300 | 0-50 FTE staff, or matching JSTOR/JISC class |
| Membership: Small | $1,000 | 51-150 FTE staff |
| Membership: Medium | $3,000 | 151-300 FTE staff |
| Membership: Large | $5,000 | 301-400 FTE staff |
| Membership: Very Large | $7,500 | 400+ FTE staff |
From ArchivesSpace's home and member benefits pages, checked 4 October 2026. Staff bands apply to non-academic archives; academic institutions and public libraries are placed by JSTOR, Artstor or JISC classification. Hosting costs are separate.
What you need to run ArchivesSpace (v4.2+)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Java | OpenJDK 17 or 21 |
| Database | MySQL 5.x or 8.x for production |
| Search | External Solr 9 (9.9.0) |
| Memory | At least 1 GB RAM; 2 GB recommended |
| Operating system | Tested on Ubuntu Linux, macOS and Windows; Docker recommended |
From the ArchivesSpace technical documentation, checked 4 October 2026.
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