Evergreen is an open-source integrated library system (ILS) designed for libraries and consortia to manage catalogs, circulation, and patron services at scale.

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🚀 Overview

Evergreen is a robust, scalable open-source ILS initially developed by the Georgia Public Library Service in 2006 for the PINES consortium serving over 270 libraries. It addresses the need for a cost-effective alternative to proprietary ILS software, enabling shared catalogs across large, multi-branch networks without licensing fees.

The project solves scalability issues for dispersed library systems, providing tools for cataloging, circulation, resource sharing, and patron self-service. It's built for public library consortia, academic libraries, and individual libraries worldwide, with deployments in over 1,800 libraries.

Developed to meet the specific needs of PINES at a fraction of commercial costs, it has grown into a community-driven project under a non-profit oversight board since 2019.

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✨ Key Features

• Circulation & Cataloging: Handles checkouts, holds, cataloging with MARC/RDA support, and flexible indexing for efficient material management.
• Web-based OPAC & Staff Client: Responsive design for patron self-service (accounts, lists, payments) and staff workflows on any device; multilingual support.
• Resource Sharing & Acquisitions: Supports inter-library loans, serials, authorities, and EDI integration for consortia.
• APIs & Integrations: Z39.50, SIP2, NCIP protocols; full-text search with third-party content; statistical reporting.
• Optional: Content Cafe, Novelist; upcoming Angular enhancements and new features in 3.16+ releases.

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🛠 Tech Stack

• Frontend: Angular/AngularJS, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, Template Toolkit
• Backend: Perl (business logic), OpenSRF (C for services), PL/pgSQL
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Auth: Custom (integrated patron auth)
• Hosting: Self-hosted on Linux servers (e.g., Ubuntu/Debian)

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👥 Who Is This For?

This project is useful for:

• Library consortia who want to share catalogs across hundreds of branches
• Public and academic libraries looking for scalable, no-cost ILS
• Developers and librarians building custom integrations or local enhancements

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📸 Screenshots / Demo

• Live demo: https://pines.georgialibraries.org/eg/opac/home (PINES consortium OPAC); https://eg-web.georgialibraries.org/ (Georgia example)
• GitHub: https://github.com/evergreen-library-system/Evergreen

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🔥 Project Status

• 🟢 Actively building

Last updated: 2026-03-24

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❓ FAQ

Is this project free?

Yes — Open Source (GPLv2-or-later) (No licensing fees; self-host or use support companies.)

Is the source code available?

Yes — https://github.com/evergreen-library-system/Evergreen (mirror); Primary: https://git.evergreen-ils.org/

Can I contribute?

Yes — Report issues/bugs on Launchpad or GitHub, submit pull requests, join mailing lists or attend conferences. Developers review PRs; community welcomes contributions from librarians and coders.

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📬 Contact & Links

• Website: https://evergreen-ils.org
• GitHub: https://github.com/evergreen-library-system/Evergreen
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/EvergreenILS
• Email: Via community lists or support companies like Equinox (info@equinoxoli.org)

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