Libraries are essential for preserving and providing access to information, knowledge, and culture. Library systems help manage the catalog, circulation, and general administration of a library. With the rise of technology, library systems have evolved from simple card catalogs to sophisticated digital systems.

In this article, we examine the most popular library systems by usage worldwide and what makes each one unique.

The Evolution of Library Systems

Modern integrated library systems (ILS) have transformed how libraries operate, offering:

  • Automated cataloging with MARC support
  • Digital circulation and patron management
  • Online catalogs accessible 24/7
  • Report generation for data-driven decisions
  • Integration capabilities with third-party services

Top 5 Library Systems by Usage

1. Koha - The Open-Source Leader

First Released: 1999
Type: Open-source ILS
Users: Thousands of libraries worldwide
Best For: Libraries of all sizes

Key Strengths:

  • Completely open-source and free from licensing fees
  • Highly flexible and customizable
  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Active global community
  • Available in 50+ languages
  • Standards-compliant (MARC21, UNIMARC, Z39.50, SIP2)

Why It’s Popular: Koha’s zero licensing cost and flexibility make it attractive to libraries with limited budgets. The large community ensures continuous development and support. Libraries can customize Koha without vendor restrictions, making it ideal for those with unique requirements.

Who Uses Koha:

  • Public libraries
  • Academic institutions
  • School libraries
  • Special libraries
  • Library consortia
  • Libraries in developing nations

Learn more about Koha

2. Evergreen - Scalable Open-Source Solution

First Released: 2006
Type: Open-source ILS
Users: Primarily US and Canadian libraries
Best For: Large consortia and public library systems

Key Strengths:

  • Highly scalable architecture
  • Designed for consortia from the ground up
  • Excellent performance with high transaction volumes
  • Customizable workflows
  • Open-source with no licensing fees

Why It’s Popular: Originally developed by the Georgia Public Library Service, Evergreen excels at handling large-scale deployments. Its consortium-friendly architecture makes it popular among public library systems serving millions of patrons.

Notable Deployments:

  • State-wide library systems
  • Large urban public libraries
  • Multi-branch library networks

3. Aleph - The Academic Powerhouse

First Released: 1980s
Type: Proprietary ILS
Developer: Ex Libris (part of Clarivate)
Users: Major academic and national libraries
Best For: Research libraries and large institutions

Key Strengths:

  • Advanced cataloging capabilities
  • Complex interlibrary loan support
  • Robust authority control
  • Enterprise-level scalability
  • Integration with research workflows

Why It’s Popular: Aleph’s sophisticated features meet the complex needs of academic and research libraries. Its proven track record in demanding environments makes it a trusted choice for institutions prioritizing advanced functionality over cost.

Who Uses Aleph:

  • Research universities
  • National libraries
  • Academic consortia
  • Government libraries

Note: Ex Libris has developed Alma as Aleph’s successor, though many institutions continue using Aleph.

4. Sierra - User-Friendly and Comprehensive

First Released: 2011 (successor to Millennium)
Type: Proprietary ILS
Developer: Innovative Interfaces
Users: Libraries of all types globally
Best For: Libraries prioritizing ease of use

Key Strengths:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Comprehensive module coverage
  • Strong vendor support
  • Cloud hosting available
  • Mobile-responsive design
  • API for integrations

Why It’s Popular: Sierra’s reputation for user-friendliness appeals to libraries with varying technical expertise. The system balances powerful features with accessibility, making it suitable for diverse library types.

Who Uses Sierra:

  • Academic libraries
  • Public libraries
  • Special libraries
  • School districts
  • Medical libraries

Comparison: Koha vs Sierra

5. Symphony - Flexible Architecture

First Released: 1999
Type: Proprietary ILS
Developer: SirsiDynix
Users: Global presence across library types
Best For: Libraries requiring extensive customization

Key Strengths:

  • Flexible, modular architecture
  • Strong integration capabilities
  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Available as on-premise or cloud
  • Established vendor with long history

Why It’s Popular: Symphony’s modular design allows libraries to implement only needed components. The system integrates well with third-party services, making it attractive for libraries with complex technology ecosystems.

Who Uses Symphony:

  • Academic institutions
  • Public library systems
  • Corporate libraries
  • Government agencies

Comparison: Koha vs Symphony

Comparison Matrix

System Cost Model Best For Scalability Customization Support Model
Koha Open-source All library types High Unlimited Community + Commercial
Evergreen Open-source Consortia Very High High Community + Commercial
Aleph Proprietary Research libraries Very High Moderate Vendor
Sierra Proprietary Ease of use focus High Moderate Vendor
Symphony Proprietary Complex environments High High Vendor

Open-Source vs. Proprietary

Open-Source Advantages (Koha, Evergreen)

Pros:

  • ✅ No licensing fees
  • ✅ Unlimited customization
  • ✅ Community-driven development
  • ✅ Transparent development process
  • ✅ No vendor lock-in
  • ✅ Data ownership

Considerations:

  • May require technical expertise (or commercial support)
  • Community support vs. vendor SLAs
  • Self-hosting requires IT resources (or use hosted services)

Proprietary Advantages (Aleph, Sierra, Symphony)

Pros:

  • ✅ Dedicated vendor support
  • ✅ Guaranteed SLAs
  • ✅ Professional training programs
  • ✅ Regular update schedules
  • ✅ Pre-built integrations

Considerations:

  • Ongoing licensing costs
  • Vendor dependency
  • Customization limitations
  • Per-user or per-module pricing

Cloud-Based Services

All major systems now offer cloud hosting options:

  • Reduced IT burden
  • Predictable costs
  • Automatic updates
  • Scalable resources

Next-Generation Platforms

Library Services Platforms (LSPs) are emerging:

  • Alma (Ex Libris) - Aleph successor
  • WorldShare (OCLC)
  • Polaris (Innovative)

These systems focus on:

  • Cloud-native architecture
  • Electronic resource management
  • API-first design
  • Discovery integration

Choosing the Right System

Consider these factors:

1. Budget

  • Initial costs (licensing, implementation)
  • Ongoing costs (support, hosting, upgrades)
  • Staff time for administration
  • Hidden costs (training, customization)

2. Library Type and Size

  • Number of branches
  • Collection size
  • Patron count
  • Transaction volume
  • Consortium membership

3. Technical Capacity

  • In-house IT resources
  • Comfort with open-source
  • Hosting preferences (cloud vs. on-premise)
  • Customization requirements

4. Feature Requirements

  • Cataloging complexity
  • Circulation rules
  • Serials management
  • Acquisitions workflow
  • Reporting needs
  • Integration requirements

5. Long-Term Vision

  • Growth projections
  • Technology strategy
  • Vendor relationship preference
  • Community involvement

Why Koha Continues to Grow

Despite competition from well-funded commercial systems, Koha’s usage continues expanding:

Cost Advantage: Zero licensing fees mean more budget for collections and services.

Flexibility: Unlimited customization without vendor approval or extra fees.

Community: Global community ensures continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Standards: Strict standards compliance ensures interoperability.

Ownership: Libraries own their data and system completely.

Proven: 25+ years of development and thousands of successful implementations.

Getting Started

Interested in learning more about library systems?

The Bottom Line: Each library system has unique strengths. The “most popular” doesn’t necessarily mean “best for you.” Consider your specific needs, budget, technical capacity, and long-term vision when choosing an ILS. Open-source systems like Koha offer compelling advantages, especially for budget-conscious libraries valuing flexibility and ownership.