Koha
What it is
Koha is a free library management system for single-branch and multi-branch libraries, as well as consortia. Its workflows cover acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials management, authorities, reporting, label printing, notices, and offline circulation. Libraries can use borrower portals, custom reporting, and MARC records. The catalog can draw content from sources including Amazon, Google, LibraryThing, Open Library, and Syndetics. Koha is multilingual and translatable, with more languages added over time. Its web-based public catalog, circulation, management, and self-checkout interfaces use XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The system supports library standards and protocols such as MARC 21, UNIMARC, z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2, and SIP/NCIP. Koha is distributed under GNU GPL version 3 or later. Installation guidance recommends a Linux server, and lists Debian, Apache, MariaDB or MySQL, Perl, and root access among immediate-use requirements. Libraries may manage support themselves or seek help from support companies.
For and against
For
- Free software under GNU GPL version 3 or later
- Supports single-branch, multi-branch, and consortium libraries
- Includes acquisitions, circulation, and cataloging workflows
- Multilingual and translatable
- Offers web-based catalog and self-checkout interfaces
Against
- Self-installation guidance calls for a Linux server and root access
- Immediate-use requirements include command-line and server skills
The verdict
Koha brings a broad set of library workflows together and supports different library structures. Its free license is paired with Linux-oriented installation requirements, so libraries should plan how they will handle deployment and support.
Who it suits
Koha suits libraries seeking software for acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, and related workflows, whether they operate one branch, several branches, or a consortium. It may also suit libraries prepared to install and support Linux-based software themselves or with outside assistance.
Plans and prices
Koha (open-source software)
Free software under GNU GPL v3 or later · self-installation requires Linux server, root access, and command-line/Apache/MySQL skills
Read 4 Oct 2026 · koha-community.org
On the record
- Catalog content
- The catalog can use content from Amazon, Google, LibraryThing, Open Library, and Syndetics, among others.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The maker recommends a Linux server and lists Debian, Apache, MariaDB or MySQL, Perl, and root access among immediate-use installation requirements.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- The OPAC, circulation, management, and self-checkout interfaces are web-based and use XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Interoperability
- Koha supports library standards and protocols including MARC 21, UNIMARC, z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2, and SIP/NCIP.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Koha is multilingual and translatable, with available languages and more added over time.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Library types
- Koha supports consortia, multi-branch libraries, and single-branch libraries.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Library workflows
- It includes acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials management, authorities, reporting, label printing, notices, and offline circulation modules.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Koha is free software distributed under GNU General Public License version 3 or later.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Packages
- Koha packages are available for modern Debian-based distributions, and the maker prefers packages where feasible.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- Koha is a fully featured, scalable library management system.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- Security reports are visible only to the reporter and Koha security group members, and the project asks reporters to allow volunteers time to respond and arrange a security release.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Libraries can self-support or obtain help from support companies, which offer services such as installation, migration, data integrity testing, training, maintenance, and development.koha-community.org · read 4 Oct 2026
