An open-source Koha alternative for libraries without a server.

Koha is the most widely used open-source integrated library system, and for a large library with IT support it's a great choice. But Koha runs on a Linux server, with a web server and a MariaDB or MySQL database, and someone has to install, update and back it up. Many school, community and small college libraries have no server, no IT staff and no reliable internet, and they end up paying for hosting or going back to the paper register.

Khulla is an open-source alternative for those libraries. It installs like any other app, keeps the whole catalogue in one file on the library's computer, and works with no internet at all.

Koha vs Khulla

Why small libraries look for a Koha alternative

• No server to run. Khulla needs no Linux, no web server and no database administrator. The installer on Windows doesn't even need administrator rights.
• No hosting bill. Koha costs nothing to license, but hosting it usually does. Khulla runs on the computer you already have.
• Works offline. Check-out and returns carry on when the internet or the power comes and goes.
• Learn it in an afternoon. Screens built for one desk: scan a copy, pick a member, done. An in-app guide works offline.
• Your data stays with you. The catalogue never leaves the library's computer. One backup file moves it to a new machine.

When Koha is still the better choice

Choose Koha, or stay on it, if you need MARC cataloguing and Z39.50 copy cataloguing, a public online catalogue members search from home, several branches, or many desks writing to one live catalogue. Khulla doesn't do those yet. For a full comparison with Evergreen, SLiMS, OpenBiblio and BiblioteQ, see the best open-source library management software, compared. For the running costs, read what Koha really costs, and for libraries in Nepal, Koha in Nepal.

Questions

What is the best open-source alternative to Koha for a small library?

For a small library with no server and no IT staff, a desktop app is simpler than Koha. Khulla is open source, installs like any app, works offline and covers the catalogue, lending, fines, members and reports. If you need a web catalogue, SLiMS and OpenBiblio are lighter web-based options.

Can Khulla run without a server, unlike Koha?

Yes. Khulla keeps the whole catalogue in one file on the computer it runs on. There is no web server or database to install, and it needs no internet.

Can I move my records from Koha to Khulla?

Not automatically yet: Khulla has no MARC or spreadsheet import today. A library moving from Koha would add titles as it goes, scanning each copy's barcode as it comes across the desk. If an import would make the switch possible for you, tell us.

When should a library stay with Koha?

Stay with Koha if you rely on MARC cataloguing, Z39.50, a public online catalogue, several branches or many desks sharing one live catalogue. Khulla doesn't do those yet.

See if Khulla fits your library

Open the demo in a browser, or download Khulla for Windows, Linux or Android. See every feature, or ask us what your library needs.