ABCD
What it is
ABCD is free software for organising collections in libraries, archives, and museums. It runs on Windows and Linux, is available for web use, and is deployed on-premise. Its cataloguing module supports MARC, ISAD-G, Dublin Core, and custom database models, while its public catalogue feature can provide visitors with a searchable site. Circulation tools handle lending and include a borrower portal; the procurement module tracks purchase suggestions, quotations, and decisions. The Central module lets institutions tailor database structures, entry screens, validation, pick-lists, and display, export, and print formats. It can retrieve and map records from Z39.50 catalogues, and its feature list includes remote Z39.50 searches and OAI metadata harvesting. Custom reporting is listed. The 3.3.0 Backup Manager needs the PHP zip extension on the server. The project describes an email list for questions, with possible responses in Spanish, English, or French.
For and against
For
- Free plan listed as free
- Cataloguing supports MARC, ISAD-G, and Dublin Core
- Includes borrower portal and circulation tools
- Imports and maps records from Z39.50 catalogues
- Custom reporting is listed
Against
- Backup Manager requires the PHP zip extension
- Deployment is on-premise
The verdict
ABCD combines collection cataloguing with lending, acquisitions, public access, and configurable database tools. Its on-premise setup and backup extension requirement are worth checking against an institution’s environment.
Who it suits
ABCD suits libraries, archives, and museums that need configurable cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, and public catalogue tools. Its on-premise deployment and Windows and Linux support may suit institutions managing their own installation.
Plans and prices
ABCD
Free software for libraries and documentation centres
Read 28 Sep 2026 · abcd-community.org
On the record
- Acquisitions
- The procurement module manages purchase suggestions, quotations and purchasing decisions.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Backup limit
- The 3.3.0 Backup Manager requires the PHP zip extension on the server.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Catalog imports
- The Central module can copy records from catalogues that support Z39.50 and map MARC fields into custom database fields.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Cataloguing
- The cataloguing module supports MARC, ISAD-G, Dublin Core or custom database models.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Circulation
- The circulation module supports lending items to users and is described as highly customisable.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Community
- The project invites contributions through testing, documentation, translation, finance, and GitHub feature or bug requests.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Database tools
- The Central module supports customizable database structures, input screens, record validation, pick-lists and tailored display, export and print formats.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- OPAC
- ABCD can create a searchable public site for an institution's catalogue.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Platform support
- The ABCD repository states that the software is supported on Windows and Linux.github.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Protocols
- ABCD's feature list includes management of Z39.50 searches and retrieval from remote databases and OAI metadata harvesting.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- ABCD is a flexible application for organising collections in libraries, archives and museums.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Security
- The ABCD 3.3.0 release says image and document display now checks login permissions and uses path checks to prevent access outside allowed directories.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Support
- The project describes an ISIS email list for general and ABCD questions, with possible replies in Spanish, English or French.abcd-community.org · read 28 Sep 2026
