Library Management Software
Everything your library needs to manage collections, patrons, and circulation — in one system. Compare your options and evaluate Standard with a 30-day software trial.
What Is Library Management Software?
Library management software — also called an Integrated Library System (ILS) or Library Services Platform (LSP) — is the operational backbone of any library. It handles:
📚 Cataloging
Create and manage bibliographic records in MARC format. Import records from Z39.50 servers like the Library of Congress. Organize your collection with Dewey Decimal or LC Classification.
🔄 Circulation
Check items in and out, manage holds queues, send automated due date reminders, process renewals, and track fines. Works with barcode scanners and self-checkout machines.
👥 Patron Management
Maintain patron records, manage borrowing privileges, track account history, and handle patron categories (students, faculty, community members, etc.).
🔍 Public Catalog (OPAC)
Give patrons a web-based search interface to find and request items. Modern OPACs are mobile-responsive and support keyword, title, author, and subject searching.
🛒 Acquisitions
Manage purchase orders, vendor relationships, budgets, and receiving. Track what you've ordered, what's arrived, and what's been paid.
📊 Reports & Analytics
Generate circulation statistics, collection analysis, patron usage reports, and custom SQL queries. Essential for annual reporting and collection development decisions.
Types of Library Management Software
Open-Source ILS (Free Software)
The software itself costs nothing. You pay for hosting, support, and implementation — but never for a license. Two major open-source systems dominate the market:
- Koha — Founded 1999, most widely deployed open-source ILS globally. Used by public, academic, school, and special libraries in 100+ countries.
- Evergreen — Founded 2006, purpose-built for large public library consortia sharing a single catalog.
Open-source ILS is the dominant choice for cost-conscious libraries and libraries that want full control over their data and system.
Proprietary (Commercial) ILS
Commercial systems charge annual licensing fees in exchange for vendor-managed infrastructure and support. Common systems include:
- Sierra / Polaris (Innovative Interfaces / Clarivate) — Public and academic libraries
- Alma (Ex Libris / Clarivate) — Academic and research libraries, strong ERM
- Symphony (SirsiDynix) — Public and academic libraries, large install base
- Destiny (Follett) — K-12 school libraries, North America
- Millennium (Innovative Interfaces) — Legacy system, many migrating to Sierra or Koha
Cloud-Hosted vs. Self-Hosted
Any ILS can be categorized by where it runs:
- Cloud-hosted: Vendor or third party manages servers. You access via browser. Lower IT burden, predictable cost.
- Self-hosted: Your library or IT department runs the servers. More control, requires Linux/server expertise.
- AWS self-service: KohaSupport deploys Koha on your AWS account — cloud convenience with full data ownership. See plans →
Compare Library Management Systems
| System | Type | Best For | License Cost | Data Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koha | Open source | All library types, global | Free | Full |
| Evergreen | Open source | Public library consortia | Free | Full |
| Sierra | Proprietary | Academic & public libraries | Annual fee | Vendor-managed |
| Alma | Proprietary SaaS | Academic libraries, ERM | Annual fee | Vendor-managed |
| Symphony | Proprietary | Public & academic libraries | Annual fee | Vendor-managed |
| Polaris | Proprietary | Public libraries, North America | Annual fee | Vendor-managed |
| Destiny | Proprietary | K-12 school libraries | Annual per-school | Vendor-managed |
Getting Started with Koha on AWS
Evaluate Standard in your own AWS account. AWS infrastructure charges apply throughout the 30-day software trial. Continued running usage becomes chargeable after expiry; annual billing is a separate choice. Internal IT support or an implementation partner remains necessary unless operations are separately contracted.
RECOMMENDED
Standard
$1,999/year with annual billing
Or $0.29/hour per running instance.
Unlimited records with automated backups
- Unlimited bibliographic records
- Unlimited items
- Koha Theme Builder: 8 activated presets and visual editing
- Free SSL certificate
- Automated S3 backups
- Support options available
INSTITUTIONAL SOLUTIONS
Enterprise
Custom proposal
For institutions with defined availability, recovery, integration, and implementation requirements. Discuss the scope, AWS footprint, and operating responsibilities before evaluation.
- Unlimited bibliographic records, items, and patrons
- All 13 Koha Theme Builder presets
- Multi-AZ architecture for stronger resilience
- Database point-in-time recovery within configured retention
- Load balancing and configurable scaling
- Monitoring and backup configuration
- Implementation and operational support available separately
Enterprise Marketplace listing and 30-day software trial
Marketplace software charges, AWS infrastructure, implementation, and ongoing support are separate. A consultation does not change an existing Marketplace offer.