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Head-to-head · Library Automation

Koha vs NewGenLib

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Koha #1 in Library Automation 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Koha
NewGenLib #7 in Library Automation 7.9/10 Free plan · pricing on request Free plan✓ 6 of 6 features Visit NewGenLib

Koha leads on 0 checks, NewGenLib on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreKoha · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresNewGenLib · 6 of 6

Koha scores higher on our rubric for library automation: 9.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Koha is the better fit for libraries seeking a full-featured open-source ILS. NewGenLib is the better fit for libraries seeking broad open-source workflows and RFID.

  • Koha fits best

    Libraries seeking a full-featured open-source ILS

  • NewGenLib fits best

    Libraries seeking broad open-source workflows and RFID

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Koha 9.2/10 Visit ↗ NewGenLib 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.9
Ranking #1 in Library Automation #7 in Library Automation
Best for Libraries seeking a full-featured open-source ILS Libraries seeking broad open-source workflows and RFID
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan Free plan · pricing on request
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Linux Web, Windows, Linux, Android
Support Community, Docs, Live chat Email, Phone, Live chat
Integrations 5 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Koha 0/6 · NewGenLib 6/6
RFID support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Self-check integration Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Consortium support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Acquisitions module Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Serials management Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Patron mobile app Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Hybrid
Our review
Pros
  • Covers circulation, acquisitions, cataloging, serials and authorities.
  • Offers a public catalog, borrower portal and offline circulation.
  • Custom reports can be built with a guided wizard or SQL.
  • Covers cataloging, circulation, acquisitions and serials workflows
  • Supports MARC21, MARC-XML and Dublin Core cataloging
  • Offers RFID integration, self-checkout and REST API support
Cons
  • Self-hosting requires a Linux server and deployment work.
  • No single-vendor SaaS service; implementation support comes from independent companies.
  • Support is community-based, with docs and chat rather than one vendor channel.
  • Enterprise pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed
  • Optional self-checkout and return module is limited to Enterprise Edition
  • Public release information appears dated, leaving maintenance cadence unclear
Our verdict

Koha is a free, open-source integrated library system for libraries ranging from single-branch institutions to large consortia. Staff workflows include circulation, acquisitions, cataloging, serials, authorities and reporting, alongside a…

Read the review →

NewGenLib is a library management system from Verus Solutions Private Limited for academic institutions and scientific research and development organizations. Its modules cover cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials, reporting,…

Read the review →
  1. KohaLibrary Automation 9.2Free plan
  2. NewGenLibLibrary Automation 7.9Free plan · pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Koha — where it wins

    • Covers circulation, acquisitions, cataloging, serials and authorities.
    • Offers a public catalog, borrower portal and offline circulation.
    • Custom reports can be built with a guided wizard or SQL.

    Where it doesn't

    • Self-hosting requires a Linux server and deployment work.
    • No single-vendor SaaS service; implementation support comes from independent companies.
    • Support is community-based, with docs and chat rather than one vendor channel.

  • NewGenLib — where it wins

    • Covers cataloging, circulation, acquisitions and serials workflows
    • Supports MARC21, MARC-XML and Dublin Core cataloging
    • Offers RFID integration, self-checkout and REST API support

    Where it doesn't

    • Enterprise pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed
    • Optional self-checkout and return module is limited to Enterprise Edition
    • Public release information appears dated, leaving maintenance cadence unclear
  • Koha9.2/10 · Free plan

    A self-hosted ILS with broad core workflows, suited to libraries able to manage deployment.

    Visit KohaFull verdict →
  • NewGenLib7.9/10 · Free plan · pricing on request

    A broad library system for institutions that need open-source workflows and RFID support.

    Visit NewGenLibFull verdict →

More comparisons

All library automation comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update