Koha
Enterprise-class ILS with modules for acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, label printing, offline circulation for when Internet access is not available, and much more.
Best self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) software in 2026
An integrated library system is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed.
We track 3 open-source, self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) apps. 3 of them had commits in the last 90 days, 1 can run with Docker, and the most common licenses are GPL-3.0 (1), GPL-2.0 (1), AGPL-3.0 (1). The most-used languages are Perl, PLpgSQL, Python. Below are the top picks by GitHub stars, followed by every app ranked by stars weighted by maintenance health.
Top 3 by GitHub stars
| # | App | Stars | Health | Last activity | License | Language | Docker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Koha | 599 | Active | 2026-11-09 | GPL-3.0 | Perl | – |
| 2 | Evergreen | 157 | Active | 2026-11-03 | GPL-2.0 | PLpgSQL | – |
| 3 | RERO ILS | 86 | Active | 2026-11-04 | AGPL-3.0 | Python, Docker | ✓ |
- Koha — Enterprise-class ILS with modules for acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, label printing, offline circulation for when Internet access is not available, and much more.
- Evergreen — Highly-scalable software for libraries that helps library patrons find library materials, and helps libraries manage, catalog, and circulate those materials.
- RERO ILS — Large-scale ILS that can be run as a service with consortial features, intended primarily for library networks. Includes most standard modules (circulation, acquisitions, cataloging,...) and a web-based public and professional interface.
Head-to-head comparisons
All 3 self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) apps
Ranked by GitHub stars weighted by maintenance health.
Evergreen
Highly-scalable software for libraries that helps library patrons find library materials, and helps libraries manage, catalog, and circulate those materials.
RERO ILS
Large-scale ILS that can be run as a service with consortial features, intended primarily for library networks. Includes most standard modules (circulation, acquisitions, cataloging,...) and a web-based public and professional interface.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) software in 2026?
By GitHub stars, the most popular self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) apps are Koha (599 stars), Evergreen (157 stars), RERO ILS (86 stars). Popularity is only one signal: also check maintenance health, license and whether it fits your setup.
How many self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) apps are actively maintained?
3 of the 3 apps listed had commits in the last 90 days.
Which self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) apps can I run with Docker?
1 of the 3 apps can run with Docker.
Which licenses do self-hosted Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) apps use?
The most common licenses in this category are GPL-3.0 (1 apps), GPL-2.0 (1 apps), AGPL-3.0 (1 apps).
How much does it cost to self-host Document Management - Integrated Library Systems (ILS) software?
The software itself is free to download. Based on our rough hardware estimates, the cheapest suitable VPS plan starts at about $3.5/month (median $5/month across apps in this category). Several light apps can share one server.
Related categories
Figures from GitHub and Docker Hub as of 2026-11-15; hosting costs are rough estimates.