Mandarin M5
5.5#7 in library automationWebSelf-hostedWindows
VisitMandarin M5 vs SLiMS
What both publish
| Fact | Mandarin M5 | SLiMS |
|---|---|---|
| Circulation | Circulation supports loans, returns, renewals, reservations, bookings, fines, refunds, and email notices for fines and overdues. | Circulation features include loans, returns, reservations, quick returns, configurable loan rules, and membership management. |
| Deployment | M5 can be hosted by Mandarin in the cloud or licensed to run on a library’s local network. | The source code can be installed on GNU/Linux, Windows, or Mac OS; the bundled Portable SLiMS option is for Windows only. |
| Inventory and reports | M5 supports full or partial inventory and includes a report tool with over 900 reports plus free custom reports. | SLiMS includes stocktaking, reporting, and statistics features. |
| Support | Mandarin advertises technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with chat and Spanish-language support available. | The maker points users to GitHub, issues, the changelog, and community discussion for support and learning. |
Mandarin M5 plans
- Mandarin M5 Web Hosting (ASP) annual subscription—
SLiMS plans
- SLiMS 9.8.0 Bulian D AceFree
Pick Mandarin M5 if…
It suits single libraries and large systems needing multilingual cataloging, circulation, inventory, and reporting. Libraries can choose hosted deployment or local-network licensing.
Pick SLiMS if…
SLiMS suits libraries and librarians seeking free library-management software with catalog, circulation, and inventory tools. Its source-install options fit teams able to provide the listed server requirements, while the portable bundle is limited to Windows.