Tired of endless manual tasks?
You’re likely buried under endless cataloging and circulation tasks, struggling just to keep everything organized and accessible for your patrons.
The real issue is when manual errors lead to lost materials and frustrated patrons. It undermines the quality of your library’s service.
The American Library Association reports that staff spend up to 30 hours per week on manual tasks. This constant busywork prevents you from focusing on improving the user experience.
But the right automation software can fix this by streamlining your entire workflow, freeing up your team for more impactful activities.
Before diving deeper, you might find my analysis of best spend management software helpful for overall resource optimization.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best library automation software for 2025. I’ve reviewed tools designed to simplify your operations and enhance resource management.
You’ll discover solutions that can modernize your library, improve resource accessibility, and create a better experience for both staff and patrons.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Summary:
| # | Software | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ex Libris → | Higher education institutions | |
| 2 | SirsiDynix → | Public and academic libraries | |
| 3 | Follett → | Educational institutions | |
| 4 | Insignia Software → | K-12 and corporate libraries | |
| 5 | OPALS → | Open-source library systems |
1. Ex Libris
Do your library’s manual processes cause endless frustration? Ex Libris offers solutions like Alma to streamline operations. This means you can centralize management for all your resources, from physical books to digital assets. The result is a unified platform, reducing time-consuming tasks and improving efficiency. Let’s dive deeper into how Ex Libris tackles these challenges.
Ex Libris streamlines your library workflows with innovative products designed for higher education. Alma, their library services platform, provides effective management and insightful analytics, giving you complete visibility into your collections and operations. This allows you to effortlessly manage your entire library ecosystem and gain data-driven insights to make informed decisions. Its open solution capability ensures seamless integration with other campus systems, helping you build a cohesive, digital environment.
Additionally, tools like Primo and Summon enhance discovery services with central indexes and relevance ranking, making it simple for users to find the information they need quickly. Rapido and RapidILL simplify resource sharing and interlibrary loans, connecting users to a vast network of information. Plus, with AI features, Ex Libris continues to innovate, offering powerful new capabilities like metadata assistance. The result is a modernized, user-friendly library experience.
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Key features:
- Unified Library Management: Alma offers comprehensive management for all resource types, consolidating workflows for improved efficiency and better control over physical and digital collections.
- Enhanced Discovery Services: Primo and Summon provide intuitive search experiences with robust content indexes and relevance ranking, ensuring users can quickly find and access necessary resources.
- Streamlined Resource Sharing: Rapido and RapidILL simplify interlibrary loans and resource sharing, enabling seamless connections to information networks for both staff and patrons.
Learn more about Ex Libris features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Ex Libris provides a comprehensive, perpetually innovating suite of library automation software solutions designed to simplify management, enhance discovery, and streamline resource sharing. Their Alma platform, combined with Primo and Rapido, creates a unified system perfect for institutions seeking to modernize operations and deliver an exceptional user experience, making it a strong contender for best library automation software.
2. SirsiDynix
Struggling with library management inefficiencies?
SirsiDynix offers comprehensive library automation software, including BLUEcloud modules, to streamline operations and enhance your library’s reach. This means you can easily manage growing collections and simplify complex tasks.
This suite of tools is designed to help you fulfill your mission by making your collections and services visible, engaging your community, and helping you demonstrate your library’s unparalleled value.
Here’s how you can simplify your library operations.
SirsiDynix provides robust tools to help you centralize your library’s operations, from acquisitions to circulation. Their BLUEcloud system integrates seamlessly, offering solutions like BLUEcloud Analytics for data insights and BLUEcloud Cataloging for efficient resource organization.
Additionally, with modules like BLUEcloud Mobile2, you can provide an exceptional mobile experience for your patrons, extending your library’s accessibility beyond its physical walls. You can even leverage the Community Engagement Platform to connect more effectively with your users. The result is a reduced administrative burden, freeing up your staff to focus on patron needs. Plus, their commitment to customer success and a supportive community ensures you always have an ally, helping your library thrive.
Your library’s mission is supported every step of the way.
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Key features:
- Comprehensive Library Automation: Manage your collections, services, and programming with robust tools like BLUEcloud, Symphony, and Horizon, suitable for public, academic, K-12, consortia, and special libraries.
- Enhanced Discovery & Mobile Experience: Boost resource visibility and user engagement with powerful discovery tools and the BLUEcloud Mobile2 app, providing seamless access for patrons on the go.
- Data-Driven Insights & Community Engagement: Utilize BLUEcloud Analytics for valuable data insights and the Community Engagement Platform to connect more effectively with your community and demonstrate your library’s value.
Learn more about SirsiDynix features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: SirsiDynix stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of tools like BLUEcloud, Symphony, and Horizon, helping you manage collections and engage communities effectively. Their focus on library automation, discovery, and mobile experiences makes them a strong contender for the best library automation software, reducing administrative burden and improving service quality.
3. Follett
Struggling with complex library management and resource access?
Follett offers transformative campus solutions, integrating retail experiences and academic programs to streamline your operations.
This focus on end-to-end campus experiences means your institution can benefit from industry-leading technology that simplifies the academic journey.
Here’s how Follett can help.
Follett brings superior end-to-end campus experiences, improving course material access and elevating the store experience. This means students and faculty easily get the materials they need to succeed, enhancing overall efficiency.
You can also meet community needs with an unmatched selection of merchandise and supplies, including fan gear, tech essentials, and food. This helps your institution support diverse requirements while celebrating your campus brand. Additionally, the ability to create virtual and hybrid stores or offer access programs further enhances convenience and affordability for students.
The result is a unified approach to campus services, reducing administrative burdens and improving satisfaction.
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Key features:
- Academic Programs: Streamline the academic journey by providing students and faculty with affordable, convenient access to essential course materials and resources.
- Retail Experiences: Elevate your campus store into a custom retail solution, offering a branded environment that meets your community’s unique needs and enhances campus pride.
- Merchandise Solutions: Meet diverse community demands with an unmatched assortment of merchandise and services, including apparel, tech, and convenience items.
Learn more about Follett features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Follett stands out for its integrated campus solutions, supporting academic programs and retail experiences. With over 1,000 campus partners and 7.5 million students served, its focus on convenience and affordability makes it a strong contender for best library automation software, especially for educational institutions.
4. Insignia Software
Struggling with library management and outdated processes?
Insignia Software offers an Integrated Library System (ILS) specifically designed to simplify and modernize your library’s operations. This means you can easily manage growing collections and streamline workflows.
Their comprehensive system provides advanced functionality while remaining easy to use, helping you overcome challenges like lost materials or inefficient cataloging. You can access any feature in just one click.
Here’s how Insignia helps your library.
Insignia’s Integrated Library System (ILS) is a comprehensive library automation solution suitable for K-12, public, academic, and corporate libraries. This helps you reduce administrative burdens.
You can manage all your resources efficiently with their Resource Manager, which centralizes everything into one convenient system. This means easier access for both staff and patrons. The software also boasts fully integrated, feature-rich products designed for simplicity.
Additionally, Insignia’s flexible development approach means they work with you to create features and enhancements that directly improve your specific workflows and streamline everyday processes. They even integrate with any vendor capable of doing so, ensuring seamless operations across your entire digital ecosystem.
The result is a truly enhanced library experience.
Key features:
- Integrated Library System: A comprehensive solution for diverse library types, ensuring efficient management of both physical and digital resources to simplify your daily tasks.
- Resource Manager: Centralizes the management of all your library’s resources, making it easier to track and access materials, improving accessibility for users.
- Flexible Development: Collaborates with your library to develop custom features and enhancements, streamlining workflows and improving overall operational efficiency.
Learn more about Insignia Software features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Insignia Software’s integrated and comprehensive solutions directly address the pain points of library professionals, from managing diverse collections to streamlining workflows. Its user-friendly interface and commitment to flexible, in-house development make it a strong contender for the best library automation software, ensuring your operations are modernized and efficient.
5. OPALS
Struggling with library management and outdated processes?
OPALS offers cataloging, circulation, and inventory modules that streamline workflows, ensuring your resources are always organized and accessible. This means you can say goodbye to misfiled materials and inefficient tasks.
You’ll discover a truly comprehensive solution designed to modernize your library operations effortlessly. The result? Reduced administrative burden for your team.
You want efficient, user-friendly automation.
OPALS, as a proven open-source automated library system, simplifies managing resources from hundreds to millions. This system provides professional management and development, ensuring continuous improvement.
Its comprehensive feature set includes eBook management, streaming video, and digital archive management, seamlessly incorporating diverse formats. Additionally, OPALS handles subscription database authentication and manages equipment and assets, allowing you to streamline all aspects of your library. Plus, its web-based and mobile-device-friendly nature ensures accessibility for hundreds of thousands of library members.
This system genuinely enhances resource accessibility and user satisfaction.
Key features:
- Comprehensive Resource Management: Includes modules for cataloging, circulation, inventory, and online public access, streamlining daily library operations.
- Digital and Physical Integration: Manages eBooks, streaming video, digital archives, and physical collections, providing unified access for patrons and staff.
- Advanced Management Tools: Features like subscription database authentication, equipment and asset management, and union catalog/ILL services enhance overall library efficiency.
Learn more about OPALS features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: OPALS offers a feature-rich, open-source solution for modern library management, earning top ratings in surveys for reliability and support. Its capabilities in cataloging, digital resource integration, and comprehensive management make it a strong candidate for the best library automation software, reducing administrative burden and improving user experience for thousands of libraries.
6. Biblionix
Struggling with outdated library management processes?
Biblionix offers a comprehensive library automation system designed to streamline your operations. This means you can say goodbye to manual tasks and focus on your patrons.
Their intuitive solutions simplify daily workflows, addressing inefficiencies like lost materials and time-consuming reporting. The result? A more efficient and satisfying library experience.
Here’s how Biblionix helps you modernize.
Their cutting-edge Events and Rooms Manager, built directly into Apollo, allows patrons and staff to effortlessly book and manage spaces and programs without needing third-party tools. Additionally, Biblionix provides visibility into your catalog’s search terms and frequencies, along with instant search results for a lightning-fast experience. This data-driven insight empowers collection managers to make informed decisions and track zero-result searches. Plus, integrated payment processors like Square or PayPal allow you to conveniently accept online credit or debit card payments.
This comprehensive approach significantly reduces your administrative burden.
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Key features:
- Events and Rooms Manager: Streamline scheduling for library spaces and programs directly within the system, eliminating the need for external tools and simplifying management.
- Gabbie 2-Way Texting: Enhance patron communication with this Platinum Award-winning feature for efficient, direct two-way text messaging, improving outreach and engagement.
- Searches and Results Visibility: Gain valuable insights into patron search patterns and zero-result searches, enabling data-driven collection management and improved resource accessibility.
Learn more about Biblionix features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Biblionix delivers a powerful yet user-friendly library automation system that directly addresses common pain points. Its integrated features, like the Events and Rooms Manager and search visibility, make it an ideal choice for library professionals seeking the best library automation software to modernize operations and enhance patron services.
7. Lucidea
Struggling with complex library management and outdated processes?
Lucidea offers purpose-built integrated library systems like SydneyDigital and GeniePlus that streamline your workflows. This means you can easily manage growing collections.
Your library staff can overcome the challenge of inefficient cataloging and lost materials because Lucidea’s solutions offer powerful information access and discovery capabilities. This helps you reduce administrative burdens significantly.
Here’s how Lucidea simplifies your operations.
Lucidea’s solutions empower you to capture, curate, and connect people to your organizational intelligence and content resources. For special libraries, SydneyDigital provides stellar automation for a digital-first approach.
Additionally, GeniePlus offers essential ILS capabilities for agile libraries. This means you get innovations in web-based technology, ensuring your system is always up-to-date and ready for future needs.
Lucidea also offers secure, reliable, and stress-free hosting, freeing you from IT concerns. Plus, their comprehensive training and support ensure you’re never on your own, helping you maximize your investment. The result is an improved overall library experience for both staff and patrons.
Key features:
- Integrated Library Systems: Offers SydneyDigital for large, multinational libraries and GeniePlus for agile libraries, providing web-based technology and robust information access.
- Knowledge Management Platforms: Includes Presto for web-based, social KM and Inmagic DB/TextWorks for flexible textbase KM, unlocking knowledge silos for searchable assets.
- Archival & Museum Management: Provides ArchivEra for innovative archives and Argus for comprehensive museum collections, ensuring streamlined workflows and public-facing content.
Learn more about Lucidea features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Lucidea provides comprehensive, purpose-built solutions for special libraries, archives, and museums. With over 3,000 customers in 50 countries, their integrated library systems, knowledge management platforms, and robust support make them a top contender for the best library automation software.
8. Accessit
Tired of inefficient library management processes?
Accessit Library software aims to streamline your library operations, enhancing resource management and unlocking new possibilities for learning.
This means you can easily manage your library with automation, freeing you up to inspire readers instead of getting bogged down in manual tasks. It significantly reduces the administrative burden on your team.
Discover seamless resource management today.
Accessit Library simplifies workflows by connecting directly with essential systems you already use. This includes SSO and Student Management, plus various online content platforms.
Its powerful APIs and data-bridges ensure a frictionless flow of information across your entire tech stack, saving time and resource costs for your IT managers. Additionally, the intuitive, modern interface makes it easy for both students and staff to access or manage library resources anytime, anywhere, on their own devices.
The software is also powerful and flexible, helping teachers find and manage resources to help students explore subjects deeper, both at school and at home. You can even bring your school’s curriculum to life with flexible topic dashboards.
The result? Enhanced resource accessibility and improved user satisfaction.
Key features:
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface that allows students and staff to access and manage library resources on their devices, anytime and anywhere.
- Epic integrations connect directly with essential systems like SSO, Student Management, and online content platforms for frictionless information flow.
- Flexible topic dashboards and automated management features empower librarians, IT managers, and teachers to streamline operations and enhance learning.
Learn more about Accessit features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Accessit offers a robust, user-friendly solution that automates library operations, enhances resource accessibility, and reduces administrative burdens for library professionals. Its strong integrations and intuitive interface make it a compelling choice for those seeking the best library automation software.
9. ResourceMate
Struggling with chaotic library management and lost resources?
You’ll discover ResourceMate offers comprehensive cataloging, searching, and circulation features, designed to streamline your operations. This means you can easily manage your growing collection.
Specifically, ResourceMate helps you move beyond outdated manual processes, offering efficient solutions for cataloging and tracking materials. You’ll finally have a clear picture of your entire collection.
Here’s how to simplify your library.
ResourceMate excels at simplifying complex library tasks, making it easier for you to maintain accurate records and ensure materials are always accessible. This helps eliminate misfiled items.
You can streamline everything from data entry to changing screens, significantly improving your team’s productivity. ResourceMate provides robust search capabilities for both staff and patrons, ensuring quick retrieval of resources.
Additionally, this software serves diverse organizations like schools, public libraries, and museums, providing tailored solutions whether you have a small, specialized collection or a large, comprehensive one. This flexibility helps you optimize your specific workflows and provide superior service.
The result is a more organized and efficient library.
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Key features:
- Comprehensive Cataloging: Easily organize and manage your entire collection, ensuring accurate records and simplified retrieval for all types of resources.
- Efficient Circulation System: Streamline lending and returning processes, reducing manual tasks and enhancing the overall patron experience for your library.
- Advanced Searching Capabilities: Empower both staff and patrons with powerful search tools to quickly locate materials, improving resource accessibility.
Learn more about ResourceMate features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: ResourceMate is the best library automation software for institutions seeking to modernize operations. Its comprehensive cataloging, circulation, and searching features reduce administrative burden and enhance accessibility, making it ideal for libraries, schools, and organizations with growing collections.
10. Koha
Struggling with library management inefficiencies?
Koha Library Software offers a fully featured, scalable library management system designed to streamline your operations. This means you can address issues like outdated manual processes and inefficient cataloging head-on.
It empowers you to tackle common pain points, allowing for more efficient organization of your collections and resources. You’ll notice an immediate reduction in administrative burden.
Your solution is here.
Koha helps you simplify library management, enhancing accessibility and improving overall user experience. This system is developed with input from various libraries, ensuring it meets diverse needs.
You’ll discover how Koha’s open-source nature means continuous improvement and a robust feature set, making it incredibly flexible. This scalability helps you manage growing collections, whether physical or digital. Additionally, regular releases, such as Koha 24.11, ensure you always have access to the latest improvements, enhancing performance and security. This commitment to ongoing development supports your library’s long-term digital transformation goals.
It transforms library operations for the better.
Key features:
- Fully featured system: Provides comprehensive tools for all library functions, from cataloging to circulation, simplifying complex workflows and reducing administrative time.
- Scalable library management: Adapts to the needs of libraries of all types and sizes, ensuring seamless growth and efficient handling of expanding collections and patron bases.
- Open source development: Benefits from global community contributions, offering continuous innovation, robust support, and the flexibility to customize the software.
Learn more about Koha features, pricing, & alternatives →
Verdict: Koha is a fully featured, scalable, and open-source library management system. Its worldwide community-driven development makes it a strong contender for the best library automation software, helping libraries modernize operations and improve patron satisfaction effectively.
Conclusion
Still buried in manual tasks?
I know the struggle. Inefficient workflows and manual errors don’t just waste time; they directly impact your patrons’ experience and overall satisfaction.
According to a Capterra analysis, libraries that automate can reduce processing time by 40%. That’s a massive efficiency gain that frees up your expert staff for more valuable, user-focused initiatives.
Here’s what I recommend.
From my analysis, Ex Libris stands out. Its platform is expertly designed to unify and streamline your entire library ecosystem, from physical to digital.
I was particularly impressed by how its Alma platform centralizes workflows and provides powerful, data-driven insights. It is the best library automation software for truly modernizing operations.
I highly recommend you book a free demo of Ex Libris to see exactly how it can transform your library’s efficiency.
You’ll elevate your library’s service quality.
