A library management system (also known as an integrated library system) is an automated resource planning system which enables a library to operate efficiently, freeing staff from unnecessary tasks. This type of software typically offers functionality such as cataloging, searching, reporting, acquisitions, library circulation and management embodied into a central system.
Open source software is a popular choice for libraries. The ability to customise the software for a library’s particular needs, the potential for interoperation with other software, and the lack of license restrictions makes open source software attractive.
Modern libraries need robust, scalable and flexible software to make their collections and services attractive, especially as digital libraries are radically transforming how information is disseminated. This article focuses on selecting the best open source Linux software which enables a library to catalogue, track circulation and inventory their assets using an integrated system.
To provide an insight into the quality of software available, we have compiled a list of 9 useful library management systems. Hopefully there will be something of interest for anyone who needs an enterprise resource planning system for a library.
Let’s explore the 9 library management systems at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| Library Management Systems | |
|---|---|
| VuFind | Library resource portal designed and developed for libraries by libraries |
| Koha | Serves more than 1000 academic, public, and private libraries |
| Evergreen | Consortial-quality library software |
| Greenstone | Comprehensive digital library creation, management, and distribution |
| InvenioILS | Run a digital library or document repository |
| NewGenLib | Metadata content management software |
| Blacklight | Next-generation catalog |
| PMB | Library automation system based on PHP and MySQL |
| OpenBiblio | Library administration web interface |
This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.
 Explore our comprehensive directory of recommended free and open source software. Our carefully curated collection spans every major software category.This directory is part of our ongoing series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. It features hundreds of detailed reviews, along with open source alternatives to proprietary solutions from major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. You’ll also find interesting projects to try, hardware coverage, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful open source Linux program that we haven’t covered yet? Let us know by completing this form. |
you missed SLiMS.
Did they miss it? Why should SLiMS be included? You haven’t given any indication whatsoever why it’s better than any of the ones covered in the article.
The article was also published 3 years ago. Maybe SLiMS was not worthy of even a mention at the time. Maybe that’s still the case.
brent be quiet
Brent made a good point. Aew, if you have nothing useful to say, say nothing.
I think Koha is the best.