About OpenBiblio
OpenBiblio is a free, open-source Integrated Library System (ILS) designed for efficient library management. Known for its simplicity, multilingual support, and comprehensive documentation, OpenBiblio is widely used by small and rural libraries worldwide.
We provide affordable OpenBiblio hosting in South Africa, with plans starting at R200.00 per month, ensuring fast and reliable access to your library system.
OpenBiblio History
Developed in 2002 by Dave Stevens (not us), OpenBiblio was created to be an easy-to-install, user-friendly library management system. Over time, it has been enhanced with new features and bug fixes. OpenBiblio can be downloaded from Surgeforce Openbiblio
OpenBiblio Usage & Implementations
OpenBiblio is actively used in libraries, schools, and archives worldwide, particularly in regions with limited resources.
- Mexico: Recommended for indigenous community libraries, supporting Nahuatl and other languages.
- Armenia: Suggested by the National Library of Armenia for 900+ small and rural libraries.
- Chile & Latin America: Used in primary schools and gaining interest in Colombia, Cuba, and Venezuela.
- Brazil: Researched at the Federal University of Paraíba for training future librarians in automation systems.
Key Features of OpenBiblio
OpenBiblio includes essential library automation features, making it ideal for small to medium-sized libraries:
- ✅ Circulation: Issue and return books, manage patron records.
- ✅ Cataloguing: Add, edit, and delete bibliographic records (MARC & MARCXML support).
- ✅ Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC): User-friendly search interface for patrons.
- ✅ Administration: Manage settings, users, materials, fines, and library policies.
- ✅ Reports: Generate custom reports using the built-in RPT syntax.
While OpenBiblio covers core library functions, it does not include acquisitions or serials management, unlike Koha or Evergreen.
OpenBiblio Hosting Services in South Africa
We offer specialized hosting for OpenBiblio on South African servers, ensuring:
- ⚡ Fast & secure access to your library system
- 💡 Local support tailored for South African institutions
- 💰 Affordable pricing, starting from R200.00 / monthly, Setup Fee from R950.00 Depending on requirements.
Want to get started? Contact us today!
Web Design
No website for your organisation, We've got that covered
- 99% uptime, for secure hosting
- Local hosting tailored for South African institutions
- Affordable pricing, All inclusive with your web site hosting of R200.00 / monthly, Once off Domain registration, Design and Setup Fee from R 1550.00 depending on design requirements.
Want to get started? A1 Web Design
Demo
Check out our demo to see how Openbiblio can transform your library management.
Demo loginUser & Password "demo" - for to request full admin rights to this demo please send an email
Demo OPACContact Us
Phone: +27 082 807 8579
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — OpenBiblio
What is OpenBiblio?
OpenBiblio is a free, open-source Integrated Library System (ILS) designed for efficient management of bibliographic collections, ideal for small to medium libraries and institutions. It supports circulation, cataloguing, OPAC, administration, and reporting. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Who uses OpenBiblio?
OpenBiblio is widely used by small and rural libraries, schools, archives and community libraries worldwide due to its simplicity and multilingual support. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What features does OpenBiblio offer?
Key features include circulation (loans/returns), cataloguing (add/edit/delete records), Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), system administration, and customizable reporting tools. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Is OpenBiblio free?
Yes. OpenBiblio is open-source software licensed under GPL, with no licensing fees. Some South African hosting services optionally charge for server hosting and support. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Can I try a demo of OpenBiblio?
Yes — OpenBiblio South Africa provides a live demo login so you can explore the system’s features before committing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
What hosting options are available?
OpenBiblio South Africa offers affordable local hosting plans with fast and secure access, including setup support and optional website design services. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Does OpenBiblio support MARC records?
Yes — OpenBiblio supports MARC and MARCXML formats for importing and managing bibliographic records. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}