Free and open-source tools for managing library public computers, sessions, and printing
These tools help libraries manage public computer access, enforce time limits, restore systems to a clean state, and control printing quotas—all without expensive commercial software!
| Need | Recommended Tool | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Session Management & Reservations | Libki | Complete library PC management with printing |
| Print Management & Quotas | Libki, SavaPage | Tracking print jobs and user quotas |
| System Restore (Windows) | Toolwiz Time Freeze, UWF | Resetting PCs to clean state on reboot |
| System Restore (Linux) | Porteus Kiosk, Ofris | Locked-down public Linux terminals |
| Remote Monitoring & Control | Veyon | Managing multiple PCs from one location |
| Room/Resource Booking | LibreBooking, classroombookings | Scheduling computers and study rooms |
Complete Library PC Management Solution
Public PC reservations with session limits, first-come-first-served access, web admin interface, and integrated print quota management.
License: GPL (Open Source)
Generic Booking System
Open-source web-based booking system supporting multi-resource scheduling. Requires custom adaptation for PC session enforcement.
License: Open Source
Room & Computer Suite Booking
Open-source booking system designed for room and computer suite scheduling with multi-user support. Primarily for bookings; needs custom integration for session enforcement.
License: Open Source
Integrated Print Quota Management
Optional print quotas per user and per printer, integrated with Libki's session management for a complete library solution.
License: GPL (Open Source)
Complete Print Tracking Solution
Multi-platform print tracking with quotas, secure BYOD printing, and web portal. Often used in combination with Libki for full PC management.
License: Open Source
Built-in Windows Feature
Windows integrated feature that protects volumes by redirecting writes and discarding all changes on reboot. Supported and recommended for public or kiosk PCs.
License: Built-in / Free
Windows System Freeze Tool
Freezes system changes and discards them on reboot. Best for Windows PCs and works well for small labs.
License: Free
Snapshot-based System Restore
Snapshot-based restore solution that can roll back PCs to baseline. Free version may have limitations.
License: Free & Paid
Self-healing Kiosk for Windows
Self-healing kiosk that restores preset image on reboot. Niche solution with limited updates.
License: Free
Locked-down Linux Kiosk OS
Open-source locked-down kiosk operating system that resets fully on reboot. Ideal for self-service public PCs.
License: Open Source
Linux System Freeze Tool
Freezes system state and restores at reboot. Older Linux tool mainly designed for educational labs.
License: Open Source
PC Monitoring & Control
Monitor and control multiple PCs, lock/logoff users, and execute remote commands. Can complement session tools like Libki but doesn't handle printing or reservations.
License: GPL (Open Source)