Librarika

Librarika is a hosted cloud library system for cataloguing collections, handling circulation and publishing an online catalog for members. Cataloguing tools include ISBN-based Smart Add, bulk import and export, and bibliographic data from OpenLibrary. Members can check items in and out, reserve them online and join a queue for checked-out items. Libraries can manage multiple branches in one system. Listed integrations include SIP2 connections for kiosks and RFID systems, SAML single sign-on with Azure AD, Google and Okta, and widgets for library websites. Its iOS and Android apps support catalog browsing, holds, self-service checkouts, push notifications and library management. A free desktop kiosk app is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, but requires a SIP2 license. The Basic plan is free and includes 2,000 records, unlimited patrons, staff and check-outs, an OPAC and email reminders. Basic Pro costs $139 /yr; e-book hosting is offered as a separate add-on. Librarika is operated by Raynux Pty Ltd in Perth, Western Australia.

Librarika combines cataloguing, circulation and member access, with a free plan and paid options. Consider its SIP2 licensing requirement for desktop kiosks and the separate cost of e-book hosting.

Librarika suits schools, universities, public, corporate and community libraries, as well as people managing personal collections. It may fit organizations needing circulation and branch management alongside an online catalog.

Librarika is a cloud library system for cataloguing, circulation and member self-service. It is best suited to libraries that want hosted, multi-branch tools without running their own server. Its free tier covers core lending, while record caps and separately priced options shape the upgrade decision.

Overview

Librarika brings collection management, lending and a member-facing online public access catalog (OPAC) into one hosted service. Cataloguing tools include ISBN-based Smart Add, bulk import and export, and bibliographic data integration with OpenLibrary. Members can check items in and out, reserve items and join a queue for checked-out material.

Managing multiple branches in one system is useful for organizations coordinating collections across locations. Website widgets connect library services to an existing site, while iOS and Android apps support catalog browsing, holds, self-service checkout, push notifications and library management. The desktop self-service kiosk app runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, but requires a SIP2 license.

Key features

Collection and circulation tools

MARC records, bulk catalog operations and Smart Add support collection setup and maintenance. Circulation, borrower portal access and an OPAC are part of the core offer. The free plan's unlimited patrons, staff and check-outs are notably unconstrained, but its 2,000-record ceiling matters more as a collection grows.

Access and integrations

SIP2 connections support kiosks and RFID systems, while SAML single sign-on works with providers including Azure AD, Google and Okta. These options make Librarika more adaptable for libraries with established access systems, though SIP2 is licensed per integration: Silver includes no license, and the desktop kiosk requires one. Gold includes one SIP2 license.

Privacy safeguards include TLS/SSL encryption in transit, access controls, authentication, role-based permissions and monitoring. Raynux says it handles personal information under the Australian Privacy Act and APPs, and where applicable GDPR and UK GDPR. Primary hosting is in Amsterdam, with possible processing in Australia, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Singapore and Bangladesh. Organizations assessing data location should account for those jurisdictions.

Pricing

The Basic plan costs nothing and includes 2,000 records, unlimited patrons, unlimited staff, unlimited check-outs, OPAC and email reminders. It is a strong starting point for smaller collections that need full lending activity without user caps, but it omits the additional controls and options in paid plans.

Basic Pro costs $139 a year, billed $139 /yr. It raises the cap to 5,000 records and adds custom greetings, multiple color schemes, no banner ads, a hold queue and more controls. It suits libraries seeking a larger catalog and a more tailored member-facing experience, though it does not include SSO or SIP2 integration.

Silver costs $299 a year, billed $299 /yr, and allows 10,000 records. It adds a hold queue, SAML2 SSO, SIP2 integration per license and more controls. It is the more relevant step for organizations needing single sign-on, but the per-license SIP2 cost is separate.

Gold costs $499 a year, billed $499 /yr, with 15,000 records, a hold queue, SAML2 SSO, more controls and one SIP2 license included. That included license can make Gold a more practical fit than Silver for a library that needs kiosk or RFID connectivity, though it still has a record cap.

E-book storage is a separate add-on, not included in the plans: E-Books Hosting Starter costs $249 a year, billed $249/yr, for 5 GB; Standard costs $499 a year, billed $499/yr, for 10 GB; and Premium costs $999 a year, billed $999/yr, for 20 GB. Libraries planning to host e-books should budget for this separately.

Platforms

Librarika supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, as well as an API. Its cloud deployment avoids the need to host the core system locally. The free desktop kiosk app broadens self-service options across desktop operating systems, subject to the SIP2 license requirement.

Who it's for

Librarika serves universities, colleges, schools, public, corporate and community libraries, as well as personal collections. The free plan is most compelling for a modest catalog with substantial patron or lending activity; libraries approaching 2,000 records should weigh the paid record limits. Multi-branch organizations and libraries seeking mobile member access have useful tools in one hosted system. Support includes how-to videos and FAQs, but the librarian manual is at a very early stage, which may leave teams wanting more structured guidance.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free plan has no patron, staff or check-out caps, making it practical for busy lending within a 2,000-record collection.
• Pros: Multi-branch management, mobile apps, website widgets and member self-service extend access beyond the library desk.
• Pros: Gold includes one SIP2 license, and SAML2 SSO is available on Silver and Gold for organizations that need those integrations.
• Cons: Paid plans still cap records, so larger collections must assess capacity before choosing a tier.
• Cons: E-book storage is separately priced, and SIP2 licensing can add cost, especially on Silver.
• Cons: The librarian manual is at a very early stage, so the video and FAQ support may not meet every team's documentation needs.

Alternatives

School Library Management Software is a useful starting point for comparing products specifically for school libraries.

Consider Accessit Library if a paid service with Android, iOS and web support better fits your organization; its pricing is organisation-specific, and third-party integration fees may apply.

Atriuum offers a choice between managed hosting with dedicated server resources and a SaaS option; consider it if those deployment arrangements suit your needs.

Pinakes is a free option for web and Android.

LibraryWorld is a paid alternative for web, iOS and Android.

ABCD is free software for libraries and documentation centres, with Linux, web and Windows support.

Choose Koha if you want free open-source software and can handle self-installation on a Linux server with root access and command-line work.

SLiMS is a free, open-source alternative with self-hosted support; its stated system requirements include Apache 2.4, MySQL 5.7 or MariaDB 10.3+, and PHP 8.3.

Sonet Examination Management System is another paid web-based option.

Verdict

Librarika is a strong choice for libraries that want hosted cataloguing, circulation, branch management and member access, especially when unlimited patrons and check-outs on the free plan matter. Choose it if the record caps fit your collection and you can budget separately for e-book hosting or SIP2 as needed. Look elsewhere if you need uncapped catalog growth or more developed librarian documentation.