Apollo ILS

biblionix.com/apollo
Productivity
Weekend Project

Integrated Library System designed from the ground up by practicing librarians for public libraries

How to Replace Apollo ILS

Overview

Apollo is a hosted Integrated Library System (ILS) designed exclusively for public libraries with fewer than 300,000 items. It provides amazing efficiencies and connectedness through a browser-based interface with no server or software installation required. The system dramatically increases staff efficiency and enables libraries to accomplish more and deliver better services to patrons.

Features

40 features across 20 categories

Authentication(1)

Single Log-in to E-Resources

Unified login for accessing library's e-Resources

Also in: LastPass, Dashlane, 1Password

Automation(1)

Auto-Calling for Overdue and Reserve NotificationsPremium

Automated calling system for managing overdue and reserve notifications with no on-site hardware required

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Cataloging(1)

Powerful Authority Control

Advanced authority control features for managing catalog records and subject headings

Collection Management(4)

Acquisitions ManagementPremium

Tools for managing library acquisitions and ordering processes

Batch Weed/Delete

Batch processing functionality for weeding and deleting multiple items

Delete Items Without Losing Information

Ability to delete items from collection while retaining associated information

E-Resources Exposure

Display and exposure for third-party e-Resources in catalog

Communications(1)

Text, Email, and Phone Notifications

Send notifications to patrons via multiple channels for overdue items and reserves

Community(1)

User Forum Access

Access to user community forum for peer support

Also in: Squarespace, Hugging Face, Obsidian

Consortia Management(1)

Communal Catalog and Virtual Consortium Capabilities

FlexShare consortia features enabling shared catalog and virtual consortium management

Core Library Operations(1)

Streamlined Circulation Management

Wonderfully streamlined checkin interface for managing book circulation

Financial Management(1)

Online Payments

Accept patron payments online for fines and fees

Hardware(1)

Barcode Label Compatibility

Ability to use existing barcode labels, scanners, and printers

Infrastructure(3)

Browser-Based Access

Web browser-based interface with no software installation required

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Works on any operating system with modern web browser

Server Functionality and Backups

All server functionality and automatic backups included in subscription

Integrations(8)

Integration with Third-Party Products/Services

Integration capabilities with third-party products and services with availability information

MaineCat Integration

Auto-emailing of additions to MaineCat and pending state ILL system interface

MeLCat ILL Integration

Integration with Michigan's MeLCat ILL system with NCIP and auto-update capabilities

OCLC Cataloging Capture

Automatic capture of OCLC numbers and auto-emailing of additions and deletions to state systems

OCLC Navigator NCIP Integration

Integration with OCLC Navigator for hassle-free ILL management (Texas)

State Catalog Auto-Update

Automatic updating of state catalog with additions and deletions

Syndetics UnboundPremium

Integration with Syndetics Unbound for enhanced content and discovery

Z39.50 Item Availability Polling

Z39.50 protocol integration for item availability polling in ILLs

Licensing(1)

Unlimited Users and Computers

Unlimited number of users and computer devices can access Apollo

Migration(1)

Free Data Migration

Free trial with data import service to test Apollo before full migration

Patron Discovery(3)

Kids' Catalog

Dedicated catalog interface designed for children

Responsive Catalog

Mobile-responsive catalog interface that works across devices

State-of-the-Art Catalog

Modern, gorgeous patron-facing catalog interface

Patron Engagement(1)

Patron Savings Display

Display to patrons how much money they have saved by borrowing instead of buying

Patron Management(2)

Link Family Members

Functionality to link multiple family members to a single library account

New Patron Sign-up Online

Online patron registration and sign-up functionality

Patron Services(4)

Ask a Librarian / Gabbie Two-Way TextingPremium

Two-way text messaging system called Gabbie for patron communication

Author Reservation Wizard - Reserve Express

Streamlined tool for patrons to place author-based reservations

Curbside Console

Curbside service console functionality for contactless pickup options

Self-Checkout

Self-checkout functionality available with only a PC, no additional hardware needed

Reporting(1)

Powerful Report for Notice Success/Failure Monitoring

Advanced reporting to monitor success and failure rates of text, email, and phone notifications

Support(3)

Free Online Training

Free online live training for staff and volunteers

Free Upgrades

Automatic free upgrades to new versions and features

One-on-One Setup Support

Personalized phone support for setup and configuration

Pricing

Annual Subscription

Popular
Custom
  • All current features included in base subscription
  • Unlimited users and computers
  • Server functionality and backups
  • Customer support
  • Free upgrades
  • User forum access

Cost Calculator

Pricing data not available for Apollo ILS. Check their website for current pricing.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a Apollo ILS alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 40 features.

Buy Apollo ILS

Better Value
Monthly costContact Sales
3-year totalVaries
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$24,000
Maintenance$360/mo
3-year total$36,960
Dev time~2 months

Buying Apollo ILS saves ~$36,960 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 40 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

11 known integrations

FlexShareMaineCatMeLCatNCIPNHU-PACOCLC CatalogingOCLC NavigatorSILO State CatalogSyndetics UnboundThird-Party E-ResourcesZ39.50