Search My Blog

Monday, July 19, 2010

6 of the Best Free Linux Library Management Systems - Linux Links - The Linux Portal Site

6 of the Best Free Linux Library Management Systems

A library management system (also known as an integrated library system) is an automated resource planning system which enables a library to operate efficiently, freeing staff from unnecessary tasks. This type of software typically offers functionality such as cataloging, searching, reporting, acquisitions, library circulation and management embodied into a central system.

Open source software is a popular choice for libraries. The ability to customise the software for a library's particular needs, the potential for interoperation with other software, and the lack of license restrictions makes open source software attractive.

Modern libraries need robust, scalable and flexible software to make their collections and services attractive, especially as digital libraries are radically transforming how information is disseminated. This article focuses on selecting the best open source Linux software which enables a library to catalogue, track circulation and inventory their assets using an integrated system.

To provide an insight into the quality of software available, we have compiled a list of 6 excellent library management systems. Hopefully there will be something of interest for anyone who needs an enterprise resource planning system for a library.

Now, let's explore the 6 library management systems at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

Library Management Systems
VuFind	Library resource portal designed and developed for libraries by libraries
Koha	Serves more than 1000 academic, public, and private libraries
Evergreen	Consortial-quality library software
Greenstone	Comprehensive digital library creation, management, and distribution package
OpenBiblio	Library administration web interface
PMB	Library automation system based on PHP and MySQL