Open Source

Koha: The World's Leading
Open-Source Library System

The first and most widely implemented open-source Integrated Library System (ILS),
now available as an enterprise cloud platform on AWS. Powering tens of thousands of libraries across every continent since 1999.

Trusted by thousands of libraries worldwide

Built for Libraries, by Librarians

Open-source library system software, now deployed as enterprise cloud infrastructure

Global Collaboration

Koha isn't just another library system—it's a global collaboration. Created and maintained by a community of librarians and developers, this open-source library management system reflects real library needs and evolves rapidly with new features, security updates, and global language support.

The name "Koha" comes from the Māori word for a gift, representing the project's open and collaborative spirit.

Continuous Development

  • Biannual feature releases
  • Monthly security and bugfix updates
  • Shared development and documentation
  • Worldwide support network

A History of Innovation

From small beginnings to global impact

1999

First Open-Source ILS

Koha becomes the world's first open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), developed in New Zealand for the Horowhenua Library Trust.

2000s

Global Adoption

Libraries worldwide begin adopting Koha, drawn by its open-source model, flexibility, and active community development.

2010s

Enterprise Features

Koha evolves to include enterprise-class features including REST APIs, advanced reporting, multilingual support for 30+ languages, and cloud-ready architecture.

Today

Enterprise Cloud Platform

Koha powers tens of thousands of libraries globally as an enterprise cloud platform on AWS, with production-grade infrastructure, continuous development, and a thriving community of contributors.

Open-Source. No Vendor Lock-In.

True ownership of your library system and data

No Licensing Fees

Koha is fully open-source and licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). No software licensing fees, ever.

No Feature Restrictions

Access to the full Koha software with all modules and features. Our pricing tiers are based on infrastructure capacity, not software features.

No Vendor Dependency

No dependency on a single vendor. Run Koha yourself or choose from multiple support providers worldwide.

Full Customization

Complete access to source code allows unlimited customization and integration with your existing systems.

Data Ownership

Your data remains yours. Export, migrate, or backup anytime without restrictions or vendor approval.

Community Support

Join a global community of libraries, developers, and vendors collaborating to improve Koha.

Note about our AMIs: Our Free Tier image includes all core Koha features but limits the number of bibliographic records and items. It's designed for small to medium-sized libraries, pilot projects, and testing. You can upgrade at any time to remove these limits. Whether you have in-house expertise or choose a support provider, you're never locked in.

Enterprise-Class Library System Features

Comprehensive integrated library system software with enterprise cloud deployment

All-in-One Web Interface

  • Staff portal for cataloging, circulation, and administration
  • Public catalog (OPAC - Online Public Access Catalog) for patron self-service
  • Mobile-ready access with no software installation

Standards Compliant

  • MARC21 and UNIMARC cataloging standards
  • Z39.50 client and server for catalog sharing
  • SIP2 (Standard Interchange Protocol) for self-checkout integration
  • NCIP for consortia integration

Advanced Search

  • Full-text search capabilities
  • Federated search across multiple sources
  • Custom search filters and facets

Reporting & Analytics

  • Custom report builder with SQL access
  • Pre-built circulation and acquisition reports
  • Data export in multiple formats

Multilingual Support

  • 30+ language translations
  • Multilingual catalog records
  • Right-to-left language support

Automated Communications

  • Email and SMS notifications
  • Overdue notices and holds alerts
  • Customizable notice templates

Label & Card Printing

  • Spine label printing
  • Barcode generation
  • Patron card printing

Extensibility

  • Community plugin system
  • REST API for integrations
  • Custom development support

Enterprise Cloud Ready

  • Deploy as enterprise cloud platform on AWS
  • Production-grade infrastructure architecture
  • Institutional governance and security

Enterprise Cloud Platform on AWS

Production-grade cloud infrastructure for modern libraries

Automated Cloud Deployment

Deploy Koha as an enterprise cloud platform in minutes using our CloudFormation templates and pre-configured Amazon Machine Images (AMIs). Production-grade infrastructure that runs in your own AWS account for maximum control, governance, and security.

No manual setup. No Linux configuration. Enterprise-ready from day one.

Enterprise AWS Architecture

Our Enterprise tier delivers mission-critical reliability with Multi-Availability Zone (Multi-AZ) deployment, Amazon Aurora database, Application Load Balancer (ALB), Auto Scaling, and 99.99% availability design. Built for institutions that cannot afford downtime.

Learn About Koha on AWS

Affordable for All Libraries

Enterprise cloud platform infrastructure at a fraction of traditional costs

Free Tier

Perfect for testing and development. No payment required.

Basic & Standard

Production-ready for small to medium libraries with hourly or annual billing.

Enterprise

Mission-critical infrastructure with 99.99% uptime design, auto-scaling, and Aurora database.

All tiers include the complete Koha library system with identical features. Choose your tier based on infrastructure requirements, not software functionality.

View Full Pricing & Compare Tiers

Ready to Start?

Deploy enterprise-grade Koha or start with our Free tier

Cookie Consent Banner -->