---
description: Learn more about Handy Library Manager price, benefits, and disadvantages for businesses in South Africa. Read reviews from verified users and discover similar tools.
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title: Handy Library Manager Price, Reviews & Features - Capterra South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Library Automation Software](/directory/30022/library-automation/software) > [Handy Library Manager](/software/44288/handy-library-manager)

# Handy Library Manager

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> Handy Library Manager is an affordable and easy-to-use Windows software designed for small and medium libraries.
> 
> Verdict: Rated **4.7/5** by 18 users. Top-rated for **Likelihood to recommend**.

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## Overview

### Who Uses Handy Library Manager?

Small or medium schools, churches, prisons, non-profit organizations, corporations, colleges or universities, specialized libraries, clubs, museums, private collections.

## Quick Stats & Ratings

| Metric | Rating | Detail |
| **Overall** | **4.7/5** | 18 Reviews |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | Based on overall reviews |
| Customer Support | 4.7/5 | Based on overall reviews |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 | Based on overall reviews |
| Features | 4.6/5 | Based on overall reviews |
| Recommendation percentage | 90% | (9/10 Likelihood to recommend) |

## About the vendor

- **Company**: PrimaSoft PC

## Commercial Context

- **Starting Price**: US$345,00
- **Pricing model**: Flat Rate (Free version available) (Free Trial)
- **Pricing Details**: Pricing starts at $345.00, it is a one-time payment. There is discount for schools, churches, non-profits for the network version. There is a free trial version.
- **Target Audience**: Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1 000, 1 001–5 000, 5 001–10 000, 10 000+
- **Deployment & Platforms**: Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise)
- **Supported Languages**: English
- **Available Countries**: Australia, Canada, United States

## Features

- Circulation Management
- Fee Collection
- Inventory Management
- OPAC
- Patron Management
- Periodicals Management
- Reserve Shelf Management
- Self Check-In/Check-Out
- Serials Management

## Support Options

- Email/Help Desk
- FAQs/Forum
- Knowledge Base
- Phone Support
- Chat

## Category

- [Library Automation Software](https://www.capterra.co.za/directory/30022/library-automation/software)

## Alternatives

1. [Mandarin](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/29128/mandarin) — 4.7/5 (60 reviews)
2. [Surpass](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/8980/surpass) — 4.8/5 (128 reviews)
3. [Simple Little Library System](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/189633/simple-little-library-system) — 4.7/5 (29 reviews)
4. [Follett Destiny Library Manager](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/8972/destiny-library-manager) — 4.5/5 (35 reviews)
5. [Librarika](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/1053729/librarika) — 4.0/5 (2 reviews)

## Reviews

### "Good Job, PrimaSoft" — 5.0/5

> **Jan** | *29 April 2021* | Nonprofit Organization Management | Recommendation rating: 8.0/10
> 
> **Pros**: We have a small non-profit organization with a library of about 1250 items - books, magazines and videos.  I was able to completely customize Handy Library Manger to our simplified needs.  Check Out and Check In require only one or two scans of the barcodes. It doesn't seem to mind if you start with the borrower or the library item.  Entry of new borrowers or library items can be done individually or in groups from an Excel spreadsheet. Managing the loans also seems easy, with the option to create personalized reminder emails.  And if a change gets made in the item title (like correcting a typo) while the book is checked out, the changed name can still be found by the Check In process.
> 
> **Cons**: It has been somewhat of a challenge getting the software personalized for our club, but we got it done.  There is a very complex Operating Manual that could use a search routine, but we got around that using Google searches.
> 
> Only been using Handy Library for the length of the free trial, and just bought the program a week or so ago.  Have yet to have in-person meetings, so have not actually used the program "under fire".  But thorough testing suggests things will go smootly

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### "PGCPS Psychological Services" — 5.0/5

> **Yael** | *27 January 2023* | Primary/Secondary Education | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10
> 
> **Pros**: Handy Library Manager has been very easy to use. We very much appreciate the extensive tutorials on the website, which easily got us up and running with basic and even some advanced features. It has revolutionized the way that our materials are managed and we have experienced less loss of our supplies. Our staff really like the ability to look up the availability of supplies through the online searchable database.
> 
> **Cons**: If you are not familiar with sql it can be tricky to know how to create a report that is organized and set up the way you want it, but customer service has been very helpful when we have asked what sql language to use.
> 
> We have had a great experience with Handy Library Manager. We have the cloud based with Primasoft hosting our library, as well as the lifetime upgrades. These features have been extremely worth it as we are able to keep our software current, access technical support when needed, and access the information from anywhere despite limitations with our own school district's server use.

-----

### "Library Manager for small libraries" — 5.0/5

> **Pat** | *11 July 2023* | Civic & Social Organization | Recommendation rating: 4.0/10
> 
> **Pros**: It was very easy to install. Also very user friendly. I also like the support on the web. It helped me to make barcodes and spine labels.  I was recommend this to any small library for ease of use and install.
> 
> **Cons**: Support is to high prices for my small budget. When I would rather buy books for my library.
> 
> We were using the old card and pocket system to check out books. It was very time consuming. Using the automated import has saved us a tremendous amount of time.

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### "Still Happy" — 5.0/5

> **Amanda** | *02 July 2021* | Education Management | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10
> 
> **Pros**: I simply love the Handy Library Manager. Right from the beginning, when I first started to search online for a; Simple, Efficient, Accurate, Reliable and Cost Effective management program, I have been super impressed and happy with my decision to purchase this software. The Handy Library Manager is a compact and streamlined managing system which is easy to navigate and simple to use. The added HELP Tab directs you straight to the problem or issue you are facing and clearly ( with clear diagrams) helps you to work through your problems or issues or questions you may have. Additionally, the tutorial HELP is so quick and easy to learn that you will find yourself mastering the program within minutes. I love it\! It has helped me to start our community library without a huge cost or investment in software that you would need a Technology degree to use. &#10;The Handy Library Manager has been the starting point of our community Library and 4 years later I am still happy with my choice to press BUY online.
> 
> **Cons**: As a small community Library, I feel that there is very little to change or add in the program as it suits what we want.
> 
> Our experience with the Handy Library Manager is that the software actually promoted our community Library to become known as "very professional". Our clients love the fact that they can be contacted by email, that they can become a member with a Barcode ( just like the big library in town) and that they feel " looked after". We can't do without this product as it truly has given our small town an edge of class without costing us a fortune.

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### "Small school library use software" — 4.0/5

> **Don** | *12 November 2022* | Education Management | Recommendation rating: 8.0/10
> 
> **Pros**: It's easy to setup, easy to use and reasonable pricing.
> 
> **Cons**: I would love if barcode generator is available.   By having barcode generator will allow us to put the barcode on the book and then enter the item at a later time.  Also phone support is not as great.  I tried to call during work hour to have support but no answer.

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## Links

- [View on Capterra](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/44288/handy-library-manager)

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| en-AU | <https://www.capterra.com.au/software/44288/handy-library-manager> |
| en-CA | <https://www.capterra.ca/software/44288/handy-library-manager> |
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| fr-CA | <https://fr.capterra.ca/software/44288/handy-library-manager> |
| fr-LU | <https://www.capterra.lu/software/44288/handy-library-manager> |
| it | <https://www.capterra.it/software/44288/handy-library-manager> |

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