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Open-source school library software

Shelf-School

A focused circulation and cataloging system built around how students and school employees actually use a library.

User guideQuick start
No student accountsSelf-hostedNo paid AI required
Montessori library with accessible shelves and children reading

Documentation

Find the right guide

Start with daily library work or go directly to setup and operations.

Start here

Set up a school

Install Shelf-School, create the first staff account, configure the library, and add the first borrowers.

Daily workflow

Borrow and return

Run the public circulation kiosk without student accounts or library cards.

Catalog

Add books by photo

Decode ISBN barcodes locally, retrieve free metadata, and create physical copy labels.

Operate

Protect school data

Understand SQLite backups, local media, troubleshooting, and safe maintenance.

Designed for daily use

A circulation desk students can understand

Borrower, book, and confirmation stay visible as one clear workflow.

Shelf-School public circulation desk showing checkout, borrower search, and three workflow steps