The World’s Most Flexible Open-Source Collection Management System.

ABCD has evolved. Moving beyond a traditional ILS, our new Library Services Platform (LSP) features a powerful REST API and a fully modular Plugin Architecture. Infinitely extensible, universally adaptable.

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A True Services Platform. Built for the Future.

We rebuilt ABCD to empower institutions with total control. By shifting to an LSP model, you no longer just install a system; you build your own ecosystem. Tailor your database, automate workflows, and connect with external services seamlessly.

Plugin-Based Architecture

Expand your capabilities on demand. From lightweight OPACs to specialized modules, install only the plugins your institution needs.

Powerful REST API

True interoperability is here. Connect your catalog to institutional portals, mobile apps, and third-party discovery tools with our native REST API.

Multi-Domain Standards

Powered by the CDS/ISIS engine. Natively supports MARC 21 and RDA for libraries, Spectrum 5.1 for museums, and RiC-CM for archives.

Trusted by leading institutions around the world:

NM-AIST Library The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

Core Modules & Extensions

Advanced Cataloging

Flexible data entry forms with rigorous adherence to international cataloging rules and custom subfields.

Dynamic Circulation

Highly parameterizable rules for loans, returns, and reservations across multiple user profiles.

Acquisitions & Management

Track budgets, manage suppliers, and streamline your collection growth.

Modern OPAC

Deliver a fast, relevant, and accessible search experience to your end-users.

Built for Developers. Owned by the Community.

The new ABCD is a blank canvas. Write your own plugins, build custom front-ends using our REST API, and contribute to a global open-source project.

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Seize the Opportunity

Need Reliable Cloud Infrastructure?

Focus on managing your collections, let us handle the servers. ABCD Host provides secure, GDPR-compliant cloud hosting, automated backups, and specialized technical support optimized for the new LSP architecture.

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Latest Updates

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ABCD 4.1.0 is here: Smarter Imports, Smooth Updates, and Enhanced Security

The new version of ABCD brings direct header-based spreadsheet imports, automatic plugin compatibility checks, smarter searches, and security improvements for shared servers. We are pleased to announce the release of ABCD v4.1.0! This update was designed to make the daily routine of managing libraries and documentation centers much smoother. Our focus in this version was…

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Update: ABCD v4.0.2 (Hotfix) Released – How to Update Safely

We are excited to announce the release of ABCD v4.0.2. This maintenance release is highly focused on correcting and stabilizing the Update Manager itself, addressing critical bottlenecks that affected users upgrading from versions 4.0.0 and 4.0.1. What’s New in v4.0.2? The transition to the ABCD 4 architecture introduced a new batched AJAX processing system to…

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ABCD 4 in pictures: see what's new in this version

If you haven’t updated your ABCD yet, are just getting to know the system, or haven’t accessed the new demo version, this post is for you. We’ve prepared a detailed tour of the major innovations in version 4. ABCD maintains its classic visual identity—with its traditional large buttons and blue top and bottom bars—but its…

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Ready to upgrade your collection management?

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