Koha is a free library management system for single-branch and multi-branch libraries, as well as consortia. Its workflows include acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials management, authorities, reporting, label printing, notices, and offline circulation. Koha is multilingual and can be translated, with additional languages made available over time. Its web-based OPAC, circulation, management, and self-checkout interfaces use XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Catalogs can draw on content from sources including Amazon, Google, LibraryThing, Open Library, and Syndetics. Koha supports library standards and protocols such as MARC 21, UNIMARC, z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2, and SIP/NCIP. It is distributed under GNU GPL version 3 or later. The project recommends installation on a Linux server, with immediate-use requirements including root access. Libraries can support the system themselves or seek installation, migration, data integrity testing, training, maintenance, and development services from support companies. The listed Koha open-source software plan costs 0.00 USD per free; self-installation requires command-line and Apache/MySQL skills.
Who it is for
Koha suits libraries ranging from one branch to multi-branch networks and consortia. It is especially suited to organizations prepared to manage a Linux server themselves or arrange outside support.
What is good
- Covers acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials, and reporting.
- Supports single-branch, multi-branch, and consortium use.
- Multilingual and translatable.
- Supports MARC 21, UNIMARC, and other library protocols.
- Free software under GNU GPL version 3 or later.
What to know first
- Self-installation requires a Linux server and root access.
- Installation requires command-line and Apache/MySQL skills.
- No free trial is listed.
Verdict
Koha brings a broad set of library workflows together and supports common library standards and protocols. Its software is free, but self-installation calls for Linux server access and technical skills.
Koha plans and pricing
All plansCompared on school library management software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Circulation tools
- Yes
- Acquisitions
- Yes
- Borrower portal
- Yes
- Custom reporting
- Yes
- MARC records
- Yes
- Deployment
- on-premise