Alternatives to RERO ILS
RERO ILS is a large-scale integrated library system that can be run as a service with consortial features, intended primarily for library networks. It includes most standard modules (circulation, acquisitions, cataloging) and provides both web-based public and professional interfaces. Find open source and proprietary alternatives that serve similar purposes.
Self-hosted alternatives to RERO ILS
Open source projects that can replace RERO ILS:
Koha
Koha is the world's first free and open-source integrated library system (ILS), originally developed in New Zealand in 1999. Named after a Māori word meaning "gift" or "contribution," Koha has grown into a mature, enterprise-class library management system used by thousands of libraries worldwide.
Key Features
-
Comprehensive Cataloging:
- Full MARC21 and UNIMARC support
- Authority record management
- Z39.50/SRU client for record importing
- Batch import and export capabilities
- Duplicate detection and merging
- Fast cataloging workflows
-
Circulation Management:
- Patron registration and management
- Check-out and check-in operations
- Holds and reserves system
- Fine and fee management
- Renewal notifications
- Offline circulation for network outages
-
Acquisitions System:
- Purchase order creation and management
- Vendor and supplier management
- Budget allocation and tracking
- Receiving and invoice processing
- Claiming and order tracking
- EDI integration capabilities
-
Serials Management:
- Subscription management
- Issue prediction and tracking
- Claiming for missing issues
- Routing lists for periodicals
- Binding and preservation tracking
- Subscription renewal management
-
Public Access Catalog (OPAC):
- Modern, responsive web interface
- Advanced search capabilities
- Patron self-service features
- Social features (reviews, tags, lists)
- Multi-language support
- Mobile-optimized interface
-
Reporting & Analytics:
- Built-in guided report wizard
- Custom SQL report creation
- Statistical reports and dashboards
- Circulation and collection statistics
- Patron activity reports
- Automated report scheduling
-
Administrative Tools:
- Multi-branch/multi-library support
- Granular user permissions
- System preference management
- News and announcement system
- Holiday and calendar management
- Label and barcode printing
-
Integration & Standards:
- REST API for third-party integrations
- SIP2 protocol support
- LDAP authentication
- Single sign-on (SSO) capabilities
- Standard library protocols
- Plugin architecture for extensions
Technical Specifications
- Backend: Perl with Template Toolkit
- Database: MySQL or MariaDB
- Web Server: Apache HTTP Server
- Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap
- Operating System: Linux, Unix-like systems
- Standards: MARC21, UNIMARC, Z39.50, SRU, SIP2, OAI-PMH
Evergreen
Evergreen is a highly-scalable, open-source integrated library system (ILS) designed to meet the needs of libraries of all sizes, from small public libraries to large academic institutions and multi-library consortiums. It provides comprehensive tools for managing library collections, patron services, and administrative functions.
Key Features
-
Cataloging & Collection Management:
- Full MARC21 cataloging support
- Authority control and linking
- Bibliographic record management
- Holdings and item management
- Copy-specific information tracking
- Batch operations and imports
-
Circulation Services:
- Patron registration and management
- Check-in and check-out operations
- Holds and reserves management
- Fine and fee management
- Renewal and notification systems
- Offline circulation capabilities
-
Public Access:
- Modern OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog)
- Advanced search capabilities
- Patron self-service portal
- Mobile-responsive interface
- Accessibility compliance
- Multi-language support
-
Acquisitions & Serials:
- Purchase order management
- Vendor management
- Budget tracking
- Serials check-in
- Claiming and routing
- Electronic resource management
-
Administration & Reporting:
- Comprehensive reporting tools
- Statistical analysis
- Multi-library/consortial support
- Organizational unit hierarchy
- Permission-based access control
- System administration tools
-
Integration & Standards:
- Z39.50 client and server
- SIP2 protocol support
- LDAP authentication
- RESTful APIs
- Standard library protocols
- Third-party system integration
Technical Specifications
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Backend: Perl with OpenSRF framework
- Frontend: JavaScript (AngularJS/Angular)
- Web Server: Apache HTTP Server
- Operating System: Linux (various distributions)
- Scalability: Designed for large consortiums and high-volume operations