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Libki

libki.org

Free plan WebWindowsLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.7 #17 of 27 in Kiosk Management Software

What it is

Libki manages time-limited access, reservations, and sessions on networked computers, with a focus on public-access settings such as libraries and school computer labs. Administrators use a web interface to manage users and session time, message or ban users, and see which client computers are available or occupied. Users can take computers on a first-come-first-served basis, reserve them, or use both approaches. The client shows remaining session time and allows early logoff; it can also be set to log off the operating system or reboot when a session ends. Libki supports SIP2 and LDAP single sign-on. SIP2 settings can restrict access using patron status, fees, age groups, or other configured fields, and the manual covers Koha and Evergreen hold notifications. Print management is available for controlled clients or files uploaded to the server. The server is self-hosted; Debian Linux, Ubuntu Server, or Docker are recommended, and Docker requires a separate database server. Clients run on Windows and Linux, though the maker provides a Windows installer and other operating systems require compiling from source. The system is free to download, install, and use. Administrators can configure data retention and deletion, but empty retention settings keep data indefinitely.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Libki manages time-limited computer access, reservations, and sessions on a network, for settings such as libraries and school computer labs.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Audience
Libki is positioned for controlled public-access computing, including libraries and school computer laboratories.Read 5 Oct 2026 · libki.org
Deployment
The server is self-hosted; the manual recommends Debian Linux, Ubuntu Server, or Docker and says the Docker image requires a separate database server.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Integrations
Libki supports SIP2 and LDAP single sign-on; its manual describes SIP2 configuration for Koha and Evergreen hold notifications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Security
The server does not have native SSL support; the manual recommends using a reverse proxy that supports SSL termination.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Support
The maker directs users to mailing lists, documentation, and GitHub issue trackers; it also says support or development services may be purchased, without listing prices.Read 5 Oct 2026 · libki.org
Access controls
With SIP2 single sign-on, access can be restricted using patron status flags, fees, age groups, and other configured fields.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Administration
Administrators can manage users and session time, message or ban users, and monitor which client computers are in use or available through a web interface.Read 5 Oct 2026 · libki.org
Client behavior
The client shows remaining time, lets users log off early, and can be configured to log off the operating system or reboot when a session ends.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Client platforms
The client runs on Windows and Linux; the maker says Windows has an installer and other operating systems require compiling from source.Read 5 Oct 2026 · libki.org
Data retention
Administrators can configure history anonymization and retention, and automatic deletion of inactive users; leaving the retention settings empty keeps data indefinitely.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Print management
Libki can provide print management for controlled clients or through file uploads to the server.Read 5 Oct 2026 · manual.libki.org
Reservations
Users can access computers first-come-first-served, by reservation, or through a combination of both.Read 5 Oct 2026 · libki.org

Plans and prices

Libki Free Free open-source kiosk management system; download, install, and use freely Read 5 Oct 2026 · libki.org

Every Libki plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free to download, install, and use.
  • Users can reserve computers or join a first-come queue.
  • Administrators can monitor client availability through a web interface.
  • Session end can trigger operating-system logoff or reboot.

Limits

  • The server must be self-hosted.
  • Docker deployment requires a separate database server.
  • The server has no native SSL support.
  • Non-Windows client operating systems require compiling from source.

Who it suits

Libki suits libraries and school computer laboratories that need to control public computer sessions, reservations, or printing. It is appropriate for organizations able to host and administer the server themselves.

Verdict

Libki provides session controls, reservations, and administrative oversight for managed public-access computers. Plan for self-hosting and for a reverse proxy if SSL termination is needed.

Where Specifiction places it

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