Koha Library Software
The world's first and most widely deployed open-source library management system. Free software. No vendor lock-in. Running in libraries on every continent since 1999.
What Is Koha?
Koha is a full-featured Integrated Library System (ILS) — the software that powers library operations including cataloging, circulation, patron management, acquisitions, serials, and reporting.
It was created in 1999 in New Zealand and became the world's first open-source ILS. Today, Koha is used by more than 5,000 libraries in over 100 countries — from small community libraries to large university systems.
Koha is free software. You can download, install, and use it at no cost. Libraries pay for hosting, support, and implementation — not for a software license.
What Koha Includes
📚 Cataloging & MARC
Full MARC21, UNIMARC, and NORMARC support. Built-in Z39.50 client for copy cataloging from Library of Congress, OCLC, and 160+ servers worldwide. Authority control, MARC modification templates, and batch import tools.
🔄 Circulation
Flexible loan rules by patron type, item type, and branch. Holds management, automated renewals, offline circulation, SIP2 self-checkout, and fine/fee tracking.
🔍 OPAC — Public Catalog
Mobile-responsive public catalog with keyword, title, author, subject, and ISBN search. Patron self-service for renewals, holds, and account management. Fully customizable with Koha Theme Builder.
👥 Patron Management
Flexible patron categories with different privileges. Self-registration, duplicate detection, messaging preferences (email/SMS), and borrowing history.
🛒 Acquisitions
Purchase orders, vendor management, fund accounting, EDI ordering, and receiving. Integrates with library jobbers and booksellers.
📰 Serials Management
Track journal subscriptions, issue predictions, claiming for missing issues, and routing lists. Supports complex subscription patterns.
📊 Reports
Built-in SQL report builder with a library of pre-built reports. Schedule reports, export to CSV/spreadsheet, and generate annual statistics. No extra cost for advanced analytics.
🔌 Integrations & API
Open REST API for integrations with payment processors, RFID systems, discovery layers, LMS platforms, and more. SIP2 protocol for self-checkout machines. No per-API-call fees.
Who Uses Koha?
🏛️ Public Libraries
From single-branch community libraries to large multi-branch systems. Koha scales from hundreds to millions of items.
🎓 Academic Libraries
University, college, and community college libraries. Handles course reserves, ILL, and large academic collections.
🏫 School Libraries
K-12 school libraries seeking an alternative to Destiny and other proprietary systems. Zero per-school licensing.
🏢 Special Libraries
Corporate, legal, medical, and government libraries. Fully customizable to specialized collections and workflows.
Run Koha on AWS with KohaSupport
Installing Koha on a Linux server requires server administration expertise and ongoing maintenance. KohaSupport deploys Koha on your own AWS account — pre-configured, backed up, and ready to use in minutes.
- ✓ No Linux expertise required
- ✓ Up and running in 5 minutes
- ✓ Automated daily backups to S3
- ✓ Koha Theme Builder for custom branding
- ✓ You own your data — it stays in your AWS account
- ✓ No vendor lock-in — export anytime
Koha vs Other Library Systems
- Koha vs Evergreen — Both open source. Which fits your library?
- Koha vs Sierra — Open source vs Innovative Interfaces
- Koha vs Alma — Open source vs Ex Libris cloud platform
- Koha vs Symphony — Open source vs SirsiDynix
- Koha vs Polaris — Open source vs Innovative Polaris
- Koha vs Destiny — Open source vs Follett for school libraries