Library Management Systems

Best Library Management Systems include:

Polaris ILS, Follett Destiny Library Manager, Sierra ILS, Springshare, Apollo ILS (Integrated Library System), Ex Libris Alma, SirsiDynix Symphony, Liberty Library Management Software, EBSCO Stacks and EBSCONET Subscription Management.

All Products

(1-25 of 83)

1
Follett Destiny Library Manager

Follett offers the Destiny suite, including Destiny Library Manager, a library management system which also includes Destiny Analytics collections management and analytics, and Destiny Discover resource search tool. Destiny Resource Manager extends the suite to manage school resources…

3
SirsiDynix Symphony

Symphony from SirsiDynix in Lehi connects patrons and librarians and is designed to serve as the cornerstone of a library.

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4
Apollo ILS (Integrated Library System)

Apollo is an integrated library system from Biblionix headquartered in Austin.

5
Ex Libris Alma

Ex Libris Alma is a unified library services platform for managing print, electronic, and digital materials in a single interface. As a completely cloud-based service, Alma boasts a cost-effective library management solution. Ex Libris is a Clarivate company since the December, 2021…

6
Oliver v5
0 reviews

Oliver v5 is a library management student with built-in features to encourage student engagement with books, boasting an age-appropriate, customisable, engaging junior and middle-school interface.

7
LIBSYS 10
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LIBSYS 10 is a Library Management System to enhance the total library experience through value-added features and services. Presented as a true realization of Lib 2.0, the vendor states LIBSYS 10 delivers unparalleled satisfaction for both patrons and library staff. It gives end…

8
Evolve by Infovision

Evolve, from Infovision Software, is a library management solution designed by professionals to take organizations to a new level of service and efficiency across the public sector. Infovision Software states they are a full service technology company providing configurable, comprehensive…

9
SydneyEnterprise

SydneyEnterprise from Lucidea headquartered in Richmond is presented as a next-generation ILS for all types of special libraries. Built from the ground up with LucideaCore technology, SydneyEnterprise aims to give a wide breadth of functionality.

10
TLC CARL
0 reviews

The Library Corporation (TLC) headquartered in West Virginia offers CARL Connect and CARL X, library automation systems.

11
Surpass
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Surpass Software headquartered in Calhoun offers the Surpass suite of hosted library management solution, available for smaller or larger libraries, and churches.

12
Ex Libris 360
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The Ex Libris suite of 360 management services (formerly under the name Intota) helps users administer the entire lifecycle of licensed content and analyze its usage. From trial to assessment, its services aim to streamline workflows using professionally curated data. Centralized…

13
Ex Libris Aleph

The Aleph® integrated library system provides academic, research, and national libraries with tools and workflow support they need to meet the increasing requirements of the industry today and in the future. It is from Ex Libris, a Clarivate company since the December 2021 acquisition.…

14
TLC Library.Solution

The Library Corporation (TLC) headquartered in West Virginia offers Library.Solution, a hosted library management and automation system for schools, higher ed, and public libraries.

15
LibraryH3lp
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LibraryH3lp, from Nub Games headquartered in Beech Mountain, provides a flexible, affordable virtual service software platform for libraries, education, and non-profits combining web chat, texting, and FAQs.

16
Centriva
0 reviews

Surpass Software in Calhoun offers Centriva, a suite of applications supporting library management.

17
Textbook Tracker

Textbook Tracker from COMPanion Corporation headquartered in Salt Lake City is a solution for libraries.

18
Libib
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Libib offers a library management system for small companie and orgs, as well as a free plan for individuals looking to catalog a collection.

19
VERSO
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VERSO satisfies the needs of library systems ranging in size from single-branch libraries to multi-branch city and county systems. A SaaS system, this modular built software allows libraries to build a product based on what they need. Libraries can make their OPACs look-and-feel…

20
Axiell EMu
0 reviews

The EMu Collections Management Systems from Axiell has been present in musem and speciality collections management for more than three decades. Offered by the vendor as comprehensive and flexible, EMu can accommodate the requirements of any collecting institution.

21
Axiell WeLib
0 reviews

Axiell WeLib delivers a complete digital school library system with educational functionality at the forefront. It provides a platform for digital collaboration between teachers, librarians and students which can be accessed wherever they are. WeLib enables school libraries to gather…

22
SebinaNEXT
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Koha
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25
Accessit Library

Learn More About Library Management Systems

What are Library Management Systems?


Library management systems manage asset circulation and cataloging, as well as membership management. Employed in various industries, library management systems automate essential housekeeping functions. They expedite the flow of information and resources to library patrons.


These systems provide an online or digital interface that centralizes back-end administrative features, supporting library circulation and asset collection. They also provide patron portals, allowing library patrons to easily access or reserve library resources.

Library Management Systems Features


Library management systems use RFID or barcode scanners, similar to those used in attendance tracking software, to track assets and patron activity. The most common features across library management products include:

  • Catalog and asset management

    • Storage of information (digital/cloud-based and on-premise resources)

    • Content management for library web page

    • Library patron, student, or user portals

      • Mobile apps for patrons and staff members

    • Online library resource search & discovery tool

      • Tools integrated with digital repositories

    • Self-checkout and check-in features

    • Streaming features for media files

    • Content index with relevance ranking

    • Access to public sources such as OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) or WorldCat

    • Reservation features for library rooms

  • Circulation management

    • RFID/barcoding

    • Tracking of loans and inventory (single or multiple locations)

    • Patron profile (IDs) and engagement management

    • Resource license and subscription management

    • Integration with authentication for subscriber or private collection access

  • Accounting integration

    • Fees and late dues management

  • Resource usage and subscription analytics

    • Measures data on circulation, inventory, late returns, or lost documents

Library Management Systems Comparison


Library management systems maintain vast collections of titles and resources. Products should offer easy-to-use interfaces with responsive support units that manage large inventories and curate customer experience.


While comparing different products, consider the library's inventory scale, asset circulation rate, and daily facility activities. The number of members, subscriptions, and locations are also key factors for selecting the proper system.


Pricing Information


Most products require a quote for the exact price, and they will include a one-time licensing fee or yearly subscription plan. Most educational institutions can access free and open-source library management systems, like Koha. But if academic libraries need to invest in a product, they usually have access to one-time licensing fee options. Public or private libraries typically have to pay an annual subscription fee. Some products offer feature bundles, and buyers can choose which software capabilities they need and pay according to their customized bundle.


Starting price ranges from $100 - $400 per product bundle, while systems that manage more extensive needs can range between $725-$1300 per year. Before purchasing, buyers should test out free trials and demos to ensure the product meets all required business needs. Free trials and demos aid buyers in making more informed decisions about which product is suitable for their library.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What do Library Management Systems do?

Library management systems modernize how library patrons search and access resources, both on-premise and electronically, while supporting library staff in the administration of day-to-day facility activities and services.

What are the benefits of using Library Management Systems?

These systems help libraries modernize the circulation process by replacing the traditional library card and manual data entry. They provide a streamlined and automated process that limits the chances of faulty data entry or asset loss.

What are the best Library Management System products?

How much do Library Management Systems cost?

Typically, products require a one-time licensing fee or yearly subscription plan. Some products offer bundles, and buyers can choose which software features they need and pay according to their customized bundle. Prices start from $100 - $400 per product bundle, while systems that manage more extensive needs can range between $725-$1300 per year.