Evergreen
Evergreen: Free, self-hosted library automation with circulation, cataloging, and acquisitions. Ranked #5 of 18 in Library Management by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for libraries seeking free, self-hosted core functionality.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLibraries seeking free, self-hosted core functionality
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Circulation managementYes
- Founded2006
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports circulation, check-in, and hold management
- Catalogs MARC records and imports MARC, MARCXML, and Z39.50 records
- Includes acquisitions ordering, budget, and invoice tracking
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires libraries to manage hosting
- Support, migration, and development services may cost extra
- No AI features are included
Our verdict on Evergreen
Evergreen is an open-source library automation system for small institutions through large consortia. Its staff interface covers circulation, check-in, holds, and cataloging, while a public access catalog lets patrons discover materials. It also includes acquisitions workflows for ordering items and tracking budgets and invoices. Libraries that want control over a free, self-hosted core system may find its scope suitable; those seeking a hosted service should consider other options.
Cataloging is a notable strength: staff can edit and search MARC records, import MARC and MARCXML batches, and use Z39.50 for record import and overlay. The system also brings circulation, holds, acquisitions, and a public catalog into one library-focused product. That breadth can suit organizations looking to support both staff workflows and patron discovery, rather than adopting a tool focused only on one operational task.
Evergreen is licensed under the GNU General Public License and can be downloaded, used, modified, and shared. Deployment is self-hosted, so the library is responsible for hosting rather than relying on a vendor-hosted plan. Community and documentation are the listed support channels; third-party providers may separately offer hosting, support, migration, and development services. This makes Evergreen a stronger fit for libraries prepared to manage a self-hosted system and its services, while organizations seeking included hosting or vendor-led support should weigh that operational responsibility before choosing it.
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Evergreen pricing
Evergreen fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Circulation management | Yes |
| Cataloging standards | MARC, MARCXML; Z39.50 record import |
| Acquisition tools | Yes |
| Deployment | On-premises |
| Patron limit | Not verified |
| Supported languages | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | evergreen-ils.org |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Evergreen
- KohaA broad, self-hosted library system with core workflows and public catalog tools.9.2
- OliverA school-focused library system combining circulation, cataloguing, discovery and SIS integrations.8.6
- FOLIOA modular library platform spanning cataloging, acquisitions, e-resources and circulation.7.9
See all Evergreen alternatives →
Evergreen vs the competition
- Evergreen vs Koha
- Evergreen vs Oliver
- Evergreen vs FOLIO
- Evergreen vs Alexandria
- Evergreen vs Symphony
- Evergreen vs Surpass
Compare Evergreen with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Evergreen is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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