Best Free Library Management Systems of 2025

Bailey Solutions offers good quality integrated library management systems (ILS) that can be hosted on the cloud or on your servers. A library consultant designed the KnowAll Matrix Library System in consultation with clients. 99% customer retention. Many features compared to other systems, with similar price. Our core system includes: Catalogue: create bibliographic records for print and digital resources AutoCat tool: downloads bibliographic metadata, images, and description for published books. Any media can be catalogued. You can use both standard and custom fields. Copies - keep track of your holdings and how to find them. Control panel: You can rename fields to suit your terminology, and hide, rename and move menu items throughout the system. You can choose how you want your system work. The system comes with default settings for your sector. OPAC allows library users to browse and search the catalog. Reports in all modules - easy to run and export to PDF and other formats. Management of patrons or users: fully compliant with USA and European personal data protection laws (GDPR). Optional additional modules - Circulation with easy to use check-in / checkout screens for users - Acquisitions - Serials

Experience the convenience of managing your library within moments with our user-friendly software designed for everyone. Download it today and start exploring! Effortlessly handle your collection, track borrower details, and oversee circulation activities. You'll discover all the essential tools needed for efficient library administration. Handy Library Manager is a comprehensive and budget-friendly solution tailored for small to medium-sized libraries. With an intuitive interface, you can swiftly catalog items, register patrons, and manage transactions. You don't need to be a tech expert to navigate this software. Even casual librarians and volunteers will find that this application is straightforward and easy to master, making it an ideal choice for enhancing library operations. Embrace the simplicity and effectiveness of Handy Library Manager and transform your library experience.

TinyCat offers a straightforward, efficient, and user-friendly solution for managing your small library's needs. It provides unique book recommendations and advanced filtering options that are not available in other library management software. You can enrich your catalog by incorporating Dewey Decimal Classification™ numbers, various series, genres, and both professional and reader reviews, among other features. It also includes comprehensive tools for managing circulation, patrons, and accounts. You have the ability to import and export MARC records seamlessly. Enhance your library catalog further with full series documentation, notable awards, published critiques, and access to over two million reader reviews. The system efficiently handles holds, renewals, overdue notices, reminder emails, circulation exports, and automated reporting features. Additionally, optional patron accounts allow for sign-in capabilities and tracking of borrowing history. For environments with a high level of trust, such as classroom libraries, there is an even simpler circulation system available. This flexible solution caters to a variety of library needs, ensuring that every user's experience is optimized and enjoyable.

EBSCO provides top-tier information resources and technological solutions designed to assist libraries in developing and managing their collections, addressing the informational needs of patrons, fostering lifelong learning, and positively impacting lives. In today's world, it is crucial for libraries to offer their patrons access to reliable information sourced from trusted providers. By utilizing digital magazines, e-journals, and e-packages, libraries can cater to the diverse interests and information requirements of their community members. Our tools for collection development and readers' advisory support library staff in selecting materials and planning programs that engage, educate, and inspire their audience. Additionally, libraries can keep local small businesses informed with the latest business news and provide job seekers with the resources needed for career advancement. Our user-friendly technology solutions ensure that valuable library materials are easily accessible, whether patrons are visiting in person or accessing resources remotely. Furthermore, unique videos and book summaries assist individuals in cultivating essential skills necessary for achieving success in both their professional and personal lives, ultimately enriching the community as a whole.

Mandarin M5 is the flagship product of Mandarin Library Automation. It is a fully web-based, modern library management system (LMS), that is designed for librarians. It is user-friendly and customizable. Users can access resources from any computer, remotely, or at the library. This solution is ideal for single libraries as well as libraries with multiple schools and sites. It can be installed quickly and maintained and updated, saving you time and money. Mandarin M5 includes modules for cataloging and circulation, inventory, report generation, and reporting.

An intuitive and robust search tool effectively navigates your library's extensive array of both physical and digital resources to yield pertinent search outcomes. The user experience evolves from the annoyance of navigating various databases with distinct search protocols and result lists to the pleasure of conducting a single search that amalgamates pertinent results from integrated indexes, separate databases, library catalogs, and local digital archives. The Bibliovation Library Services Platform (LSP) represents an exceptionally adaptable, cohesive software system available as a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. The entire platform operates entirely online, ensuring mobile accessibility across all devices. Bibliovation utilizes relational databases that encompass all forms of data, including bibliographic details, patron information, transaction records, acquisitions, and digital entities. Additionally, Bibliovation is deliberately designed to be highly customizable, accommodating a wide range of library workflows to meet diverse needs. This level of personalization allows libraries to tailor their services and improve overall efficiency.

The OPALS Open-source Automated Library System is a robust, collaboratively designed web-based program that stands out as an effective open-source solution. This innovative technology allows users to access various information databases, library collections, and digital archives via the Internet. Numerous institutions, including schools, colleges, research centers, businesses, religious organizations, and library consortia that offer interlibrary loan services, utilize OPALS. Implementing this comprehensive, turnkey system does not require the installation of software or the acquisition of costly computer hardware or licenses. Its “total cost of ownership” is not only sustainable but also exemplifies the benefits of utilizing standards-based, feature-rich web software. OPALS can be hosted and managed on our servers, or we can collaborate with your IT department to facilitate the installation and ongoing support at your location. With a dedicated team of experienced programmers and technical support personnel, the program is continuously updated and maintained, providing a reliable support network that is crucial for public-serving institutions. This versatility in deployment and the strength of community support further enhance OPALS's reputation as an essential resource for libraries and educational organizations alike.

Koha stands as the pioneering free and open-source library management system available globally. It is a robust and scalable solution designed to cater to the needs of libraries of all shapes and sizes. The development of Koha is supported by a diverse array of libraries, dedicated volunteers, and companies that provide assistance from across the globe. As the first free software package for library automation, Koha is utilized by institutions worldwide, with its progress driven by an expanding community of users who collaborate to fulfill their technological aspirations. Over time, Koha's functionalities have adapted and grown to better serve its users. This comprehensive integrated library system (ILS) offers a wide-ranging set of features suitable for libraries of any scale, making it an enterprise-class solution. It encompasses essential and advanced functionalities, including modules for acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials management, and authorities. Additionally, Koha supports flexible reporting, label generation, multi-format notifications, and offline circulation capabilities, ensuring operations continue smoothly even without internet connectivity. Ultimately, Koha is designed to be effective for consortia, whether they consist of numerous branches or are single-branch libraries. Its versatility and continuous innovation make it an invaluable resource in the library sector.

Librarika is a cloud-based SaaS Integrated Library System. It is very easy to use. You don't need any technical skills to manage or use Librarika.

Biblio 8.26, a free library system for Windows systems, is a powerful tool to manage your libraries.