Library Management Software
Everything your library needs to manage collections, patrons, and circulation — in one system. Compare your options and get started free.
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
KohaSupport deploys Koha on your own AWS account — no Linux expertise, no installation, running in minutes.
Standard Self-Service
Live library. Unlimited records, Koha Theme Builder, automated backups, custom domain.
Get Standard