FOLIO (Future of Libraries Is Open) is a community-driven, open-source library services platform (LSP) that is transforming the library operations and technology landscape. Moving beyond the limitations of traditional, proprietary Integrated Library Systems (ILS), FOLIO offers a modern, flexible, and extensible solution built for the digital era.
FOLIO is designed to support traditional library operations (like cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions) while enabling innovation through modular architecture. Unlike monolithic ILS systems, FOLIO is built as a collection of apps that work together through a shared platform.
Developed collaboratively by libraries, vendors, and open-source developers—including major contributions from EBSCO and Index Data—FOLIO represents both a system and a community-driven ecosystem.
In recent years, libraries have been navigating a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by digital transformation, growing user expectations, and the need for more flexible, open, and interoperable systems. Traditional integrated library systems (ILS) have struggled to keep pace with these demands. Enter FOLIO—an open-source Library Services Platform (LSP) that is redefining how libraries manage resources, workflows, and services.
Keywords: FOLIO, Library Services Platform (LSP), Integrated Library System (ILS), Library Software, Future of Libraries Is Open, Open-Source Software (OSS), Library Management System
Contents
- Key Features and Capabilities
- Modular, App-Based Architecture
- Open-Source and Community-Driven
- Cloud-Native Infrastructure
- Integrated Print and Electronic Resource Management
- Powerful APIs for Integration
- Customizable Workflows and Permissions
- Benefits of Using FOLIO in Libraries
- Freedom from Vendor Lock-In
- Lower Long-Term Costs and Affordability
- Future-Proof Technology
- Rapid Innovation
- Interoperability
- User-Friendly Experience
- Flexibility and Innovation
- Challenges in Implementing FOLIO
- Global Adoption and Community Growth
- BIBFRAME in FOLIO
- Metadata Management (Cataloging) in FOLIO
- Inventory
- MARC authority
- FOLIO Videos
- Conclusion: A Platform Built for the Future of Libraries
Key Features and Capabilities
The core strength of FOLIO lies in its innovative architecture and collaborative development model.
1. Modular, App-Based Architecture
FOLIO breaks down library workflows into discrete applications. Libraries can choose the modules they need, replace individual apps without reworking the entire system, and add new functionality as requirements evolve.
Common modules include:
- Inventory (bibliographic & holdings)
- Circulation
- Acquisitions
- eHoldings management
- ERM (Electronic Resource Management)
- Courses and reserves
- Users & permissions
This modularity provides exceptional flexibility—something legacy ILS systems often lack.
2. Open-Source and Community-Driven
FOLIO is free to download, adapt, and deploy. Its governance and development happen openly, with contributions coming from institutions worldwide. This ensures:
- Transparency in design
- Vendor neutrality
- Rapid development cycles
- Shared innovation and best practices
Libraries can implement FOLIO independently or via hosted/managed service providers.
3. Cloud-Native Infrastructure
Built on modern, cloud-native technologies such as microservices, APIs, and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes), FOLIO is designed for scalability and reliability. Cloud deployment simplifies maintenance and enables continuous updates without major downtime.
4. Integrated Print and Electronic Resource Management
Many libraries have struggled with fragmented systems for managing print and electronic resources. FOLIO integrates both seamlessly:
- Unified workflows
- Consolidated resource records
- Improved discovery and analytics
The ERM suite, originally based on the open-source GoKB project, is one of FOLIO’s most sophisticated components.
5. Powerful APIs for Integration
Whether integrating with:
- Discovery layers (e.g., EBSCO Discovery Service)
- Institutional ERPs
- Authentication systems
- Data analytics platforms
FOLIO offers robust API endpoints, making it extensible and adaptable.
6. Customizable Workflows and Permissions
FOLIO supports granular role-based access controls and allows libraries to tailor workflows to local needs. The UI is user-friendly, consistent across apps, and adaptable as new modules are released.
Benefits of Using FOLIO in Libraries
The adoption of FOLIO has the potential to revolutionize library services by addressing common pain points associated with legacy systems. Some important benefits of using FOLIO in libraries are:
1. Freedom from Vendor Lock-In
Libraries retain full control over their systems and data. They can choose their hosting provider—or self-host—and change vendors without abandoning the platform.
2. Lower Long-Term Costs and Affordability
While implementation may require investment, the open-source nature significantly reduces licensing fees. Community support and shared development also lower total cost of ownership.
The software itself is free to any library. Libraries only incur costs for commercial hosting, support, and implementation services if they choose to use them.
3. Future-Proof Technology
Microservices architecture makes FOLIO agile and adaptable to new library models, including:
- Data-driven services
- Digital scholarship support
- Non-traditional collections (maker spaces, digital labs)
4. Rapid Innovation
Because FOLIO is community-driven, features evolve continuously. Libraries can request enhancements or even develop their own modules.
5. Interoperability
Open APIs allow seamless integration with existing systems, such as discovery services and interlibrary loan platforms, providing libraries with greater control over their technology stack.
6. User-Friendly Experience
Development focuses on intuitive, user-friendly workflows and interfaces for both library staff and patrons, leading to a better overall library experience.
7. Flexibility and Innovation
The open-source model and microservices architecture foster continuous innovation. Libraries can develop or fund new apps to meet specific, evolving needs without being locked into a single vendor's development cycle.
Challenges in Implementing FOLIO
Despite its advantages, FOLIO comes with some considerations:
- Complex migration from legacy ILS systems
- Learning curve for staff adjusting to a modular interface
- Need for strong IT support, especially in self-hosting setups
- Evolving functionality, with some workflows still maturing depending on release cycles
However, these challenges are gradually reducing as more institutions adopt FOLIO and the platform stabilizes.
Global Adoption and Community Growth
Since its first major release in 2019, FOLIO has been adopted by:
- Large academic libraries (e.g., Chalmers University of Technology)
- Multi-campus systems
- Consortia
- National libraries exploring open-source alternatives
The active developer and library community—through forums, GitHub contributions, conferences, and SIGs (Special Interest Groups)—continues to drive the platform’s evolution.
Library Technology Guides² provides information below about FOLIO.
FOLIO is an Integrated Library System offered by the Open Library Foundation.
FOLIO has been installed in 274 libraries, spanning 476 facilities or branches.
BIBFRAME in FOLIO
BIBFRAME is a linked data model for bibliographic data that is being implemented within the FOLIO open-source library services platform. This collaboration is leading to tools like the BIBFRAME Editor (BFE), developed by the Library of Congress (LOC), which allows for the input of BIBFRAME vocabulary and is compatible with the FOLIO data model. Several institutions, including the Library of Congress, are actively working on this integration for linked open data.
Key aspects of BIBFRAME in FOLIO
- Data model compatibility: FOLIO's data model is highly compatible with BIBFRAME2, making it straightforward to create a crosswalk between the two.
- Linked data tools: Development is underway for a BIBFRAME Editor (BFE), a tool to create and manage BIBFRAME data that can be integrated with FOLIO. Another tool, the Marva editor, is being developed to help users navigate linked data and relationships in a FOLIO environment.
- Implementation and goals:
- The project aims to transition the library community to linked open data, moving beyond MARC formats to be more compatible with the internet and linked data principles.
- Major institutions like the Library of Congress (LOC) are actively involved in preparing for a BIBFRAME implementation within their FOLIO environment.
- This includes developing best practices for non-Latin script input, as detailed in an announcement from the Library of Congress.
- Community effort: The integration is a community-driven effort, with institutions collaborating on the development of FOLIO to incorporate BIBFRAME and linked data capabilities.
Metadata Management (Cataloging) in FOLIO
In FOLIO, Metadata Management (Cataloging) includes essential cataloging functions. These functions include³:
- Creating Instance, Holdings, and Item records
- Managing your collections (physical and/or virtual)
- Importing and exporting bibliographic data
- Editing MARC records
Inventory
The Inventory app allows you to manage your collections (physical and/or virtual). Inventory stores bibliographic, holdings, and item data in the form of Instance, Holdings, and Item records. Instance records may be created within FOLIO or generated from records in source record storage (SRS). Data within Inventory integrates with other apps like Orders, Check in, Check out, and Requests.
Definition of terms related to the Inventory app:
- Instance record. A record that contains bibliographic and administrative information about a particular resource. The Instance record is what is known as the bibliographic record. They are mostly derived from full bibliographic records (in MARC or other formats) and are intended to provide information for library staff to identify and select records in order to perform work on associated holdings and items.
- Holdings record. A record that contains information such as location, call number, and volumes owned, that enables staff to locate and manage library holdings for materials in all formats. A Holdings record must be associated with an Instance record.
- Item record. A record that contains information needed to identify and track a single item or piece. The Item record contains data specific to a single volume or piece, such as barcode and circulation status. An Item record must be associated with a Holdings record.
Blank Inventory module.
FOLIO Inventory module example with a filled catalog data.
MARC authority
The MARC authority app allows the management of MARC authority records within FOLIO.
Definition of terms related to the MARC authority app:
- Access point. Element in a bibliographic record intended to be searched, e.g., contributor’s name, title, subject. Also referred to as a “heading.”
- Authority record. A record that records the authorized forms of names, subjects, and subject subdivisions to be used in constructing access points in MARC records, the forms of these names, subjects, and subject subdivisions that should be used as references to the authorized forms, and the interrelationships among these forms.
- Authorized access point. An access point that is represented by an authority record.
- Heading. Same as: access point.
- Reference. An entry in an authority record that points the user to either the authorized access point or a related authorized access point.
FOLIO Authority module.
FOLIO Authority module displaying a name authority record.
FOLIO Videos
1. FOLIO: Simplifying Your Library Workflow with The Most Modern Library Services Platform (LSP)
2. Cataloguing in FOLIO
3. Linked Data and BIBFRAME World for FOLIO
FOLIO is not simply a replacement for traditional ILS systems—it represents a new vision of what library software can be: open, flexible, interoperable, and community-powered. As libraries continue to embrace digital transformation, platforms like FOLIO provide the agility and innovation needed to meet the demands of the next generation of patrons and services.
Libraries are increasingly moving from traditional, closed systems to more flexible Library Services Platforms (LSP). Institutions such as Cornell University Library have successfully migrated to FOLIO, citing its potential as a strong, community-led alternative to conventional proprietary systems.
As the library world continues to adjust to the shifting information landscape, FOLIO stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, offering a sustainable and future-proof platform for managing both print and electronic resources.
References
1. FOLIO, "Future of Libraries is Open," https://folio.org/ (accessed November 1, 2025).
2. Library Technology Guides, "FOLIO," https://librarytechnology.org/product/folio/ (accessed November 26, 2025)
3. FOLIO, "Metadata Management (Cataloging)," https://lotus.docs.folio.org/docs/metadata/ (accessed November 26, 2025)
