Koha and OPALS (Open-source Automated Library System) represent two different approaches to library automation: Koha as a mature open-source ILS and OPALS as a proprietary system primarily serving K-12 school libraries. This comparison helps you understand which system better fits your library’s needs.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature Koha OPALS
First Released 1999 1998
License Model Open-source (GPL) Proprietary
Primary Market All library types, global K-12 schools, small libraries
Programming Language Perl Proprietary
Database MySQL/MariaDB SQL Server/MySQL
Staff Interface Web-based Web-based
OPAC Responsive, customizable Basic web catalog
Mobile Support Full responsive design Limited
Installation Self-hosted or cloud Hosted by vendor
Annual Cost Free (hosting optional) $500-$2,500/year
Community Size Large, global Smaller, regional
Customization Highly customizable Limited
Integration Options Extensive Moderate

Licensing and Cost Model

Koha

  • License: GPL v3 (completely free and open-source)
  • Software Cost: $0
  • Hosting Options:
    • Self-hosted: Free (server costs only)
    • Cloud hosting: $49-$299/month (KohaSupport)
    • Other vendors: Varies
  • Support: Optional commercial support available
  • Total Cost of Ownership: Potentially $0 to $3,588/year

OPALS

  • License: Proprietary (subscription required)
  • Annual Subscription: $500-$2,500 depending on size
  • Hosting: Included in subscription
  • Support: Included
  • Additional Modules: May cost extra
  • Total Cost of Ownership: $500-$2,500+/year

Winner: Koha - Significantly lower total cost, especially for budget-conscious libraries

Target Audience

Koha

  • Best For:
    • Academic libraries
    • Public libraries (all sizes)
    • Special libraries
    • School libraries
    • Library consortia
    • International libraries
  • Scalability: Small single-branch to large multi-branch systems
  • Geographic Reach: Used in 135+ countries

OPALS

  • Best For:
    • K-12 school libraries
    • Small public libraries
    • Church libraries
    • Special libraries
  • Scalability: Small to medium-sized single libraries
  • Geographic Reach: Primarily United States

Winner: Koha - More versatile across library types and sizes

Core Features Comparison

Cataloging

Koha:

  • Full MARC21 and UNIMARC support
  • Z39.50 client for copy cataloging
  • Authority control integrated
  • Flexible MARC frameworks
  • Item-level cataloging
  • Fast add framework
  • Label printing (spine, barcode, etc.)

OPALS:

  • Basic MARC support
  • Z39.50 client
  • Copy cataloging from major databases
  • Pre-set templates
  • Item records
  • Barcode generation

Winner: Koha - More robust cataloging capabilities

Circulation

Koha:

  • Complex circulation rules matrix
  • Multiple hold types (bib, item, record-level)
  • Self-checkout support (SIP2)
  • Offline circulation plugin
  • Automatic renewals
  • Fine/fee management
  • Claims returned tracking
  • Transit management for consortia

OPALS:

  • Basic circulation policies
  • Holds management
  • Fines and fees
  • Overdue notices
  • Patron management
  • Basic reporting

Winner: Koha - Significantly more advanced circulation features

Acquisitions

Koha:

  • Full acquisitions workflow
  • Purchase orders
  • Vendor management
  • Budget tracking by fund
  • Invoice processing
  • EDI support
  • Suggestions management

OPALS:

  • Basic ordering
  • Vendor tracking
  • Simple budgeting
  • Suggestions

Winner: Koha - Professional-grade acquisitions module

Serials Management

Koha:

  • Full serials module
  • Subscription management
  • Prediction patterns
  • Claiming
  • Routing lists

OPALS:

  • Basic serials tracking
  • Limited automation

Winner: Koha - Much more robust serials management

Reporting

Koha:

  • SQL report builder
  • Saved reports library
  • Guided reports wizard
  • Custom report creation
  • Scheduled reports
  • Report sharing

OPALS:

  • Pre-built reports
  • Basic customization
  • Standard library statistics

Winner: Koha - Infinitely more flexible reporting

User Interface

Koha

  • Modern Bootstrap-based interface
  • Responsive design (mobile-friendly)
  • Customizable themes
  • Accessibility compliant
  • Multi-language support (70+ languages)
  • Patron self-service features

OPALS

  • Functional web interface
  • Basic design
  • Limited customization
  • English primarily
  • Basic patron features

Winner: Koha - Modern, responsive, customizable interface

Technical Considerations

Koha

Pros:

  • Open-source (no vendor lock-in)
  • Active development community
  • Extensive documentation
  • Multiple hosting options
  • API for integrations
  • Regular security updates

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
  • Setup can be complex without support
  • Must manage updates yourself (if self-hosted)

OPALS

Pros:

  • Vendor handles hosting and maintenance
  • Support included
  • Simpler for non-technical users
  • Quick setup

Cons:

  • Vendor lock-in
  • Limited customization
  • Dependent on vendor for updates
  • Less community support
  • Ongoing subscription required

Winner: Koha - Greater flexibility and independence

Integration Capabilities

Koha

  • REST API
  • SIP2 protocol (self-checkout, patron authentication)
  • Z39.50 server/client
  • OAI-PMH for metadata harvesting
  • LDAP/Active Directory
  • SSO support
  • EDI for acquisitions
  • Extensive third-party integrations

OPALS

  • Basic integrations
  • Z39.50 client
  • Limited API
  • Some SIS integrations

Winner: Koha - Far superior integration options

Support and Community

Koha

  • Community: Global, thousands of libraries
  • Documentation: Extensive manuals, wiki, videos
  • Support Options:
    • Community mailing lists (free)
    • IRC chat (free)
    • Commercial support (paid)
    • Training courses available
  • Updates: Monthly releases, security patches
  • Development: Active, responsive to needs

OPALS

  • Community: Smaller, regional
  • Documentation: Vendor-provided
  • Support: Included with subscription
  • Updates: Vendor-controlled schedule
  • Development: Vendor-driven

Winner: Koha - Larger community, more resources

Decision Matrix

Choose Koha if you:

  • Want to minimize long-term costs
  • Need advanced library features
  • Require extensive customization
  • Have technical staff or budget for hosting
  • Want to avoid vendor lock-in
  • Need strong acquisitions/serials
  • Require multi-language support
  • Plan to grow or join a consortium

Choose OPALS if you:

  • Prefer all-in-one subscription
  • Have zero technical staff
  • Need only basic library functions
  • Want vendor to handle everything
  • Have limited budget ($500-2500/year)
  • Are a small K-12 school library
  • Don’t need advanced features
  • Value simplicity over flexibility

Real-World Considerations

For School Libraries

Koha Advantages:

  • Free software reduces budget pressure
  • Grows with your needs
  • Professional-grade features for college prep
  • Integration with learning management systems

OPALS Advantages:

  • Quick setup for non-technical librarians
  • Vendor support included
  • Designed specifically for K-12 needs

For Budget-Conscious Libraries

Koha is the clear winner - even with paid hosting ($588-$3,588/year), it offers significantly more features than OPALS at similar or lower cost, with no vendor lock-in.

Migration Considerations

From OPALS to Koha

  • MARC records easily exported
  • Patron data migration possible
  • Circulation history may require manual mapping
  • One-time migration effort required
  • Long-term cost savings substantial

From Koha to OPALS

  • Generally not recommended (feature loss)
  • Standard MARC export available
  • Would lose advanced features
  • Ongoing subscription costs

Conclusion

Koha is the superior choice for most libraries, offering:

  • Lower total cost of ownership
  • Far more features and flexibility
  • Better long-term scalability
  • No vendor lock-in
  • Active global community

OPALS may work for:

  • Very small school libraries with zero technical staff
  • Libraries wanting all-inclusive vendor management
  • Institutions with simple library needs

However, even for small libraries, Koha hosted on a service like KohaSupport provides comparable ease-of-use with vastly superior features and lower costs.

Our Recommendation

For 95% of libraries, Koha is the better investment. Its combination of zero licensing fees, professional features, and hosting flexibility make it ideal for libraries of all types and sizes. Even libraries with no technical staff can use affordable hosted Koha services and gain access to world-class library automation.

Ready to try Koha? Start your free trial on AWS or contact us for hosted solutions.