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OpenLibry
What it is
OpenLibry is free, open-source software for managing a school library. It covers book loans, catalog records, student and class management, and reports. Staff can check books in and out with one click, and barcode scanners are supported. The catalog can look up book details automatically by ISBN through OpenLibrary and the German National Library. Member tools include Excel imports and class advancement. Reports include loan overviews, reminders, and statistics, with CSV export. Schools can install the software on their own server or a Raspberry Pi without using a cloud service; the maker says data stays with the user and local installations use no external servers. The source code is available under the MIT License on GitHub, and installation guides cover Docker and bare-metal setups. The Docker guide calls for a Linux server or desktop, including Raspberry Pi OS, with at least 2 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free storage. The software is intended for school libraries, including those run by volunteer helpers.
For and against
For
- Supports one-click checkouts and barcode scanners.
- Looks up catalog details by ISBN.
- Imports student and class information from Excel.
- Runs locally without a cloud service.
- Reports can be exported as CSV.
Against
- Requires local installation and hosting.
- Docker guide calls for at least 2 GB RAM and storage.
- No free trial is listed.
The verdict
OpenLibry brings circulation, cataloguing, member records, and reporting together for school libraries, with local installation and open-source code. Schools should account for the server requirements and setup when considering it.
Who it suits
OpenLibry suits school libraries that want local control of loans, catalog records, member information, and reports. It is also intended for libraries run by volunteer helpers.
Plans and prices
OpenLibry
Free, open source school library software · locally installable
Read 8 Oct 2026 · openlibry.de
On the record
- Audience
- OpenLibry is intended for school libraries, including libraries run by volunteer helpers.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Catalog
- The book catalog supports automatic metadata lookup by ISBN.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Data hosting
- OpenLibry can run on a school’s own server or Raspberry Pi, without a cloud service.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Install options
- The maker documents Docker installation and a bare-metal installation option.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- ISBN lookup uses OpenLibrary and the German National Library as book data sources.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code is available under the MIT License on GitHub.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Loans
- Users can check books in and out with one click, and barcode scanners are supported.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Member management
- The software manages students and classes, supports Excel imports, and includes class advancement.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says data stays with the user and that the locally installed software uses no external servers.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenLibry is free, open-source software designed to help manage school libraries.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Reports
- Reports include loan overviews, reminders, and statistics, with CSV export.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The Docker guide lists a Linux server or desktop, including Raspberry Pi OS, with at least 2 GB RAM and 2 GB free storage.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker points users to a Discord community and offers help getting started by email.openlibry.de · read 8 Oct 2026
