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Mandarin

Web-based & fully customizable library automation software

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Table of Contents

Mandarin - 2026 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives

All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team. Learn more

Mandarin overview

What is Mandarin?

Mandarin provides library automation software - its flagship M5 product delivering a fully customizable system deployable on the cloud or on-premise. Built with librarians, for librarians, Mandarin M5 targets modern facilities that demand a centralized approach to managing site services while giving patrons the ability to search extensive book catalogs. Mandarin places keyword and visual search portals online, boasting auto-complete and advanced filtering tools, to assist library visitors, researchers and staff find periodicals quickly. Library resources can therefore be queried from any workstation, at the library site itself or remotely, while management features give librarians all the tools for running day to day operations.

Mandarin's cataloging capabilities include the ability to manage items, whether it be the adding, copying, editing or deleting of book records. Pre-built and custom templates assist this process, offering simpler and more advanced editing modes with picture management, MARC records import/export, plus an included equipment database. Circulation management is then supported with circulation calendars, fine calculators, quick return rules, self check-in/check-out and detailed record histories for items or patrons. Mandarin M5 goes on to include an inventory module for running full or partial checks, while reports facilities also cover the printing of barcode labels, book pocket cards, address labels and more. The system boasts over 900+ pre-formatted standard report templates across circulation, inventory, general operations and statistics, with custom reporting options also available.

Key benefits of using Mandarin

Mandarin is a provider of automated and highly customizable library management systems for smaller or specialist library sites, allowing these facilities to centralize their book catalog and give patrons access to online search portals.

As a cloud-based solution, Mandarin promises rapid setup and installation while liberating librarians from the additional costs and efforts required when maintaining a server. Mandarin can however be installed on-premise if preferred.

Cataloging features provide tools for adding, copying, editing and deleting book records alongside an included equipment database. The inventory module then enables full or partial inventory checks to be conducted.

Circulation features for processing loans, returns, renewals and bookings, plus the ability to query patron or item status, implement late return fines, issue refunds and send email notifications, reminders or warnings.

An integrated report generator includes a Report Tool offering 900+ pre-built report types, while custom reports can be created in a matter of steps before sending PDF exports out to shareholders via email.

Starting price

500 /
per year

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Alternatives

Mandarin’s user interface

Ease of use rating:

4.7

(60)

Mandarin pros, cons and reviews insights

To determine these pros and cons insights, we analyzed responses from

Overall rating

Reviews sentiment

1-2(2)

3-4(15)

5(43)

What do users say about Mandarin?

Users report that Mandarin offers outstanding customer support, with quick, knowledgeable, and responsive assistance available through various channels. They feel reassured by the technical team's willingness to resolve issues efficiently and appreciate the regular updates and helpful training resources provided. Some mention that setup and learning all features can take time, but support helps ease the process.

Reviewers appreciate Mandarin's ease of use, describing it as user-friendly and straightforward for both staff and students. They say it streamlines library management in schools, making tasks like check-in, cataloging, and resource linking manageable, even for those with little prior experience.

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Who uses Mandarin?

Based on 60 verified user reviews.

Company size

Small Businesses

Enterprises

Midsize Businesses

Top industries

Libraries

Education Management

Primary/Secondary Education

Research

Others

Use cases

Catalog Management

Library Automation

Mandarin's key features

Most critical features, based on insights from Mandarin users:

Search/Filter

4.2

(14)

Catalog management

5.0

(12)

Circulation management

4.9

(11)

Barcoding/RFID

4.8

(9)

Patron management

4.4

(8)

Inventory management

4.0

(7)

All Mandarin features

Features rating:

4.2

(60)

OPAC

4.4

(5)

Customizable templates

5.0

(2)

Reporting & statistics

4.8

(5)

Data import/export

5.0

(2)

Equipment tracking

4.0

(1)

Customizable branding

4.5

(4)

Private libraries

(0)

Public libraries

(0)

Records management

(0)

Reserve shelf management

4.0

(1)

School libraries

(0)

Self check-in/check-out

4.0

(3)

Self service portal

(0)

Serials management

5.0

(1)

Templates

(0)

Third-Party integrations

(0)

User management

(0)

Periodicals management

(0)

Order management

(0)

Online catalog

(0)

Multi-Language

(0)

Historical reporting

(0)

Full text search

(0)

Fee collection

(0)

Customization

(0)

Customizable reports

(0)

Church libraries

(0)

Barcode/Ticket scanning

(0)

Alerts/Notifications

(0)

Mandarin alternatives

Mandarin

4.7

(60)

visit website

Starting from

500

Per year

Free trial

Free version

Ease of Use

4.4

Features

4.2

Value for Money

4.8

Customer Support

4.9

Surpass

4.8

(128)

visit website

Starting from

Per month

Free trial

Free version

Ease of Use

4.7

Features

4.7

Value for Money

4.8

Customer Support

4.9

QuickBooks Enterprise

4.5

(20.5K)

visit website

Starting from

2210

Per year

Free trial

Free version

Ease of Use

4.3

Features

4.4

Value for Money

4.3

Customer Support

4.1

Flipsnack

4.6

(307)

visit website

Starting from

No pricing info

Free trial

Free version

Ease of Use

4.5

Features

4.3

Value for Money

4.2

Customer Support

4.5

Mandarin pricing

Value for money rating:

4.8

(60)

Starting from

500

Per year

Pricing details

Subscription

Free trial

Free plan

Pricing range

User opinions about Mandarin price and value

Value for money rating:

4.8

(60)

To see what individual users think of Mandarin's price and value, check out the review snippets below.

“The transition from our old system to Mandarin was amazing. I was happy with the ease of implementing the new system and tech support patiently guided any questions.”

Mary P.

Librarian

“I highly recommend this software for ease of use and ability to expand circulation options. We separate textbooks and general library but it is all in the same catalog.”

Mary P.

Librarian

Mandarin integrations (1)

Integrations rated by users

We looked at 60 user reviews to identify which products are mentioned as Mandarin integrations and how users feel about them.

FACTS

Integration rating: 5.0 (1)

“We needed all the students and teachers to be in the Library System and it was seamless.”

Marcia C.

Part-time Librarian

Mandarin customer support

What do users say about Mandarin customer support?

Customer support rating:

4.8

We analyzed 40 verified user reviews to identify positive and negative aspects of Mandarin customer support.

Widespread user sentiment highlights Mandarin's customer support as quick, responsive, and easy to reach when issues arise.

A significant portion of users praise the support team's knowledge, patience, and willingness to help with any questions or problems.

Broad user base appreciates the speed and effectiveness of responses, often describing them as immediate or rapid.

Frequently reported by users, Mandarin's support is described as outstanding, reliable, and consistently helpful throughout implementation and beyond.

Support options

Email/help desk

Phone support

Knowledge base

24/7 (live rep)

Faqs/forum

Training options

Webinars

Videos

Live online

Documentation

In person

To see what individual users say about Mandarin's customer support, check out the review snippets below.

“Reports, email to patrons, entering books, etc. all go fairly smoothly. When we do have a problem or question Mandarin support is quick to respond and great to work with.”

Jackie V.

IT Administrator

“The tech team are exceptionally responsive to questions, problems that may arise, to producing customized reports. ”

Henie K.

Librarian (Head)

“We've been using Mandarin for more years than I know of. Whenever we have an issue or suggestion, we email Mandarin and we get the quickest and best help ever.”

Julie L.

CEO