Open-source system

Koha for library management and cataloging

Alternative to proprietary library systems

Book cataloging, circulation, patrons, and catalog search for schools, universities, and public libraries.

Available on request: We set it up for you when you ask for it.

Request it + Add to request All systems in Learning and training

System facts

Alternative to
Proprietary library systems
Built on
Koha (GPL-3.0-or-later license)
Hosting
We host it for you in Egypt: Link Datacenter in Egypt or Huawei Cloud, Cairo region
Language
Interface partly in Arabic
Sign-in
With its own account
Ordering
On its own or in a bundle
Status
Available on request
Price
We send it to you after a short call

What it does for you

A complete system for your library: catalog books and references using recognized standards, circulate and return items with barcodes, manage members, reservations, and fines, and let patrons search the catalog online before visiting. The system runs on a server we host for you in Egypt, with no annual per-copy licensing fee.

Alternative to

If you are looking for an alternative to commercial library software, this replaces:

  • Proprietary commercial library systems with annual licensing fees.
  • Paper circulation ledgers and Excel cataloging spreadsheets.

What you get

  • Cataloging in MARC21 or UNIMARC standards for all material types: books, periodicals, theses, and multimedia.
  • Copy cataloging from other libraries via the Z39.50 protocol instead of typing records from scratch.
  • Public online catalog (OPAC) where patrons search by title, author, or subject, and place holds.
  • Circulation, returns, and renewals using barcodes.
  • Holds and reservations with patron notifications when books become available.
  • Patron management with member categories and custom borrowing rules for each group.
  • Fines for overdue items and fee collection.
  • Acquisitions: purchase orders, vendor management, and budgets.
  • Serials: tracking issue arrivals and alerting on overdue numbers.
  • Barcode and spine label printing.
  • Email notifications for due dates and overdue notices.
  • Reports on circulation, collections, patrons, and custom SQL reporting.
  • Multi-branch support within a single system.

Built on Koha, an open-source integrated library system (ILS).

Arabic and hosting in Egypt

  • Arabic: Parts of the interface are translated into Arabic and the rest is in English. Arabic book cataloging and Arabic search work completely. We complete OPAC translation for patrons under customization.
  • Hosting: We host it for you in Egypt, sizing the server to your collection size and patron volume (infrastructure design).

From ready-made to built for you

  1. 01 As-is The system with cataloging, circulation, and the online public catalog.
  2. 02 Configured for your workflow Your branches, patron categories, circulation rules, item types, and fines.
  3. 03 Customized The public catalog branded for your school or university in Arabic, along with custom reports.
  4. 04 Built for you Migrating your existing catalog from spreadsheets or legacy systems, and syncing patron accounts with your school management system.

Customization and building from scratch are part of our software and application development service.

Works with

  • School management

    Frappe Education

    Open-source system

    Student records, admissions, timetables, fees, installments, and grades, integrated with your accounting system.

    Alternative to: Proprietary school systems

    • On request
    • Partial Arabic
    • In Egypt
    Details + Add to request

  • Training and courses

    Frappe LMS

    Asas module

    Courses in Arabic for new hires or customers, complete with lessons, quizzes, and certificates.

    Alternative to: TalentLMS, Teachable

    • On request
    • Partial Arabic
    • In Egypt
    Details + Add to request

  • Virtual classroom

    BigBlueButton

    Open-source system

    Live virtual classrooms with video, audio, whiteboards, and breakout rooms for large student groups.

    Alternative to: Zoom, Microsoft Teams for education

    • On request
    • Partial Arabic
    • In Egypt
    Details + Add to request

  • Learning platform

    Moodle

    Open-source system

    Courses, quizzes, grades, and certificates in full Arabic, for schools, universities, and training centers.

    Alternative to: Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classroom

    • On request
    • Full Arabic
    • In Egypt
    Details + Add to request

Who it is for

Frequently asked questions

Is it an alternative to commercial library systems?

Yes: cataloging, circulation, OPAC, acquisitions, and serials in one system. The difference is open source with no annual licensing fees, hosted on a server in Egypt.

Does it support MARC cataloging standards?

Yes, MARC21 and UNIMARC, with copy cataloging from external libraries.

Can patrons search the catalog from home?

Yes, through the public online catalog (OPAC), where they can reserve books and renew loans.

Do you migrate our existing catalog?

Yes, from Excel spreadsheets or MARC export files generated by your current system.

Our limits

  • The software is from its developer (Koha); our role is hosting, configuration, operation, and support.

Library system: Request it

Request it info@foundationcx.com