Koha (open-source) and Sierra (proprietary, from Innovative Interfaces) represent two fundamentally different approaches to library automation. This comparison helps libraries decide between free/open-source software and a commercial vendor solution.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Koha | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Model | Free software, pay for services | Annual license + maintenance |
| Vendor | Community-driven | Innovative Interfaces (III) |
| Source Code | Open | Proprietary |
| Typical Annual Cost | $10K-$40K (support/hosting) | $15K-$100K+ (license + support) |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited |
| Community | Global, large | Vendor-led user group |
| Updates | Quarterly releases | Vendor schedule |
| Data Ownership | Full control | Vendor-hosted (often) |
Feature Comparison
Cataloging
- Koha: MARC21/UNIMARC, Z39.50, authority control, flexible frameworks
- Sierra: MARC21, Z39.50, strong authority control, proven for large catalogs
Winner: Tie - Both excellent
Circulation
- Koha: Flexible rules, holds, offline circ, SIP2
- Sierra: Robust circulation, extensive policy options, well-optimized
Winner: Tie - Both handle high-volume circulation
OPAC
- Koha: Modern, responsive, easy to customize
- Sierra: Encore (modern) or classic WebPAC, requires design services for customization
Winner: Koha - More flexibility without vendor services
Acquisitions
- Koha: Full EDI, budgets, vendor management
- Sierra: Strong acquisitions, III vendor partnerships
Winner: Tie - Both feature-complete
Cost Analysis (Medium Academic Library Example)
Koha Total 5-Year Cost: ~$150,000
- Migration: $15,000
- Annual support/hosting: $25,000 × 5 = $125,000
- Training: $10,000
Sierra Total 5-Year Cost: ~$300,000+
- Implementation: $30,000
- Annual license: $30,000 × 5 = $150,000
- Annual maintenance: $20,000 × 5 = $100,000
- Training/customization: $20,000
Savings with Koha: ~$150,000 over 5 years
When to Choose Koha
✅ Budget-conscious library
✅ Want full data control
✅ Value customization freedom
✅ Have technical staff or support vendor
✅ Prefer community-driven development
✅ International library (better support)
When to Choose Sierra
✅ Prefer single-vendor solution
✅ Want III’s integrated ecosystem (PolCat)
✅ Large academic or consortium already on III products
✅ Minimal internal IT resources
✅ Value vendor accountability
✅ Established III partnership
Conclusion
Sierra is a mature, well-supported commercial ILS with strong vendor backing but significant ongoing costs.
Koha offers comparable functionality at lower cost with greater flexibility, but requires selecting support vendors and managing relationships.
For most libraries, Koha’s cost savings and flexibility outweigh the convenience of a single vendor. However, libraries deeply integrated into III’s ecosystem may find migration challenging.
Explore Koha as an alternative to Sierra? We provide migration services, implementation, and ongoing support. Contact us for a cost comparison.