When moving your library to the cloud with Koha on AWS, you have flexibility in how your system is configured. The right choice depends on your library’s size, budget, and need for reliability. This article explains the main setup options so you can make an informed decision.

The simplest option is to run Koha on a single AWS server (EC2 instance) using the KohaSupport Standard Image.

Typical costs:

• KohaSupport Standard AMI: $999 per year (includes 14-day free trial)

• EC2 Server (recommended minimum: t4g.large, 2 vCPUs, 8GB RAM): ~ $50 per month

• Total yearly cost: around $1,599

👉 You can explore instance options using the AWS Pricing Calculator.

Advantages:

• Simple to launch and manage

• Lowest cost

• Suitable for smaller libraries or those just starting out

Limitations:

• • A single server means no automatic failover if there’s downtime

  • Database and application are on the same machine

For organizations like schools, universities, and public libraries where resiliency and reliability are critical, AWS allows more robust configurations.

Recommended components:

• Load Balancer (ELB): Distributes traffic across multiple Koha servers, improving availability.

• Auto Scaling Group: Automatically adds or removes servers based on demand.

• Dedicated Database (RDS): Keeps your Koha data safe and separate from the application servers.

• S3 Storage: Backs up database snapshots and configuration files securely.

Benefits:

• High availability (your Koha stays online even if one server fails)

• Better performance during busy periods

• Safer data management with automated backups

Estimated costs:

• • AMI subscription: $999/year

  • AWS infrastructure: varies depending on configuration, typically $200–$400/month for a modest but resilient setup

If you are currently part of a consortium or using Koha with another provider, you do not need to start over. Your existing Koha data (books, patrons, history) can be migrated into your new AWS-based system.

KohaSupport provides:

• Migration assistance (one-time service)

• Optional yearly support for upgrades, updates, and troubleshooting

• Smaller libraries with tight budgets may start with the basic setup.

• Public schools and larger institutions should strongly consider the advanced setup to ensure reliability and safeguard student access.

By using Koha on AWS, you gain independence from consortia while keeping full control over your library system. Whether you start small or invest in a resilient setup, you’ll have a solution that grows with your needs.

👉 Interested in setting up your own Koha? Contact us to discuss which option fits your library best.