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DSpace vs Evergreen ILS

DSpace logo

DSpace

Libraries

The software of choice for academic and research repositories

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Evergreen ILS logo

Evergreen ILS

Libraries

Highly scalable open source library software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: DSpace self-hosting means running and maintaining the repository; managed hosting comes from third-party service providers such as Atmire, 4Science and DSpaceDirect rather than the project; Evergreen ILS server installation is supported only on Debian 10, 11, 12 and 13 and Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04
  • They diverge on capability: DSpace covers Self-submission workflows, Evergreen ILS covers Circulation management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DSpace and Evergreen ILS actually diverge.

Attributes where DSpace and Evergreen ILS differ
AttributeDSpaceEvergreen ILS
PlatformsWebWeb, Desktop, Api
Founded20022006

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Libraries).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DSpace

  • Self-submission workflows
  • Configurable metadata schemas
  • Persistent identifiers (DOI, Handle)
  • OAI-PMH support
  • Full-text search
  • Statistics and reports
  • SWORD deposit
  • ORCID integration

Only in Evergreen ILS

  • Circulation management
  • MARC cataloging
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • OPAC with faceted search
  • Patron management
  • Offline circulation
  • Consortia support

Both cover

  • LDAP
  • Shibboleth
  • Self-hosted deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DSpace

  • Institutional repositories for universities and research librariesnot Evergreen ILS
  • Subject-based and dataset repositoriesnot Evergreen ILS
  • Long-term preservation of mixed digital formats including PDF, image and audio-videonot Evergreen ILS
  • Group-based access control over restricted collectionsnot Evergreen ILS
  • Exposing records to ORCID and OpenAIREnot Evergreen ILS

Evergreen ILS

  • Running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation systemnot DSpace
  • Self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branchesnot DSpace

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DSpace

  • Self-hosting means running and maintaining the repository; managed hosting comes from third-party service providers such as Atmire, 4Science and DSpaceDirect rather than the project
  • Aimed at institutional repositories, so it assumes library metadata practice rather than general file storage

Evergreen ILS

  • Server installation is supported only on Debian 10, 11, 12 and 13 and Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04
  • PostgreSQL 14 is the minimum supported version
  • OpenSRF 3.3.0 or later must be installed separately before Evergreen itself
  • Installation is a manual multi-service process requiring a dedicated PostgreSQL superuser account and shell access

Pricing, plan by plan

DSpace

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the DSpace review.

Evergreen ILS

Free
  • Self-HostedFree
    • Full ILS functionality
    • Circulation system
    • OPAC
  • Hosted (via partners)$200/month
    • Everything in Self-Hosted
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

Which should you pick?

Choose DSpace if

  • You need self-submission workflows.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want configurable metadata schemas.
DSpace review

Choose Evergreen ILS if

  • You need circulation management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Api.
  • You also want marc cataloging.
Evergreen ILS review

Questions people ask

Is DSpace or Evergreen ILS better?
Neither clearly leads. DSpace starts at Free and Evergreen ILS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DSpace or Evergreen ILS?
DSpace starts at Free and Evergreen ILS at Free.
Does DSpace or Evergreen ILS run on more platforms?
DSpace runs on Web. Evergreen ILS runs on Web, Desktop, Api.
Can I use DSpace for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DSpace best used for?
DSpace is most often used for institutional repositories for universities and research libraries, subject-based and dataset repositories, long-term preservation of mixed digital formats including pdf, image and audio-video, group-based access control over restricted collections. Of those, institutional repositories for universities and research libraries and subject-based and dataset repositories are not what Evergreen ILS is typically brought in for.
What can DSpace do that Evergreen ILS cannot?
DSpace covers Self-submission workflows, Configurable metadata schemas, Persistent identifiers (DOI, Handle), OAI-PMH support. Evergreen ILS covers Circulation management, MARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management. Both handle LDAP, Shibboleth, Self-hosted deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DSpace: Is DSpace free to use, and what is the licensing model?

Yes, DSpace is completely free and open source under a BSD License. The software is fully customizable with no subscription fees or licensing costs required.

Source
Evergreen ILS: Is Evergreen ILS free?

Yes, Evergreen ILS is a free open source library management system. The software is available at no cost for libraries and organizations to install, deploy, and customize according to their needs.

Source
DSpace: Are there optional costs associated with using DSpace?

DSpace itself is free, but optional membership is available to support the project and advance development efforts. Voluntary contributions of any size are accepted, with benefits including event discounts and governance participation.

Source
Evergreen ILS: Does Evergreen ILS offer commercial support or hosting?

Evergreen ILS website does not list commercial hosting or support services. As an open source project, it relies on community contributions and institutional deployments. Libraries may arrange custom support through integrators or consultants, but no official commercial offerings are detailed on the website.

Source
DSpace: Do I need to pay for hosting and implementation services?

No, hosting and implementation are optional third-party services offered by registered DSpace providers like DSpaceDirect, 4Science, and Atmire, not requirements of the software. You can host DSpace yourself at no cost.

Source
DSpace: What languages does DSpace support?

DSpace is available in 22 languages and includes granular, group-based access control for repository management.

Source
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