What Are FOLIO and ReShare, and How Does Index Data Support Them?

Updated

FOLIO and ReShare are two open-source library platforms that Index Data names among its solutions. Index Data describes itself as an operator, developer, and partner in the library space, and says it works with libraries to build and sustain the open-source platforms behind modern library services rather than simply selling services. If you are evaluating library systems or trying to understand who maintains the software you depend on, the practical question is what each project covers and what role Index Data plays in it.

FOLIO

FOLIO appears on Index Data's site as one of its named solutions. In the library ecosystem, FOLIO is generally understood as an open-source library services platform — the kind of system that handles core operations such as cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and related workflows.

What matters for a decision:

  • Open source means the code is developed and shared collaboratively, so libraries are not locked into a single vendor's roadmap.
  • Platform implies it is meant to be extended and integrated with other tools, not a single fixed product.
  • Community governance means direction is shaped by participating institutions and developers, which affects how features arrive and how quickly.

Index Data's stated position is that it helps libraries operate and sustain these platforms, which suggests a support-and-development role rather than only distributing software.

ReShare

ReShare is the second named solution. In the library world, ReShare is associated with resource sharing — the interlibrary loan and lending workflows that let libraries pass materials and requests between institutions.

For a library, the relevant questions are:

  • Does the project fit the resource-sharing workflows you already run?
  • Can it interoperate with your existing discovery layer and library management system?
  • Who provides implementation and ongoing support?

Index Data presents itself as a partner for building and sustaining open-source platforms, which is the role ReShare users would look to for development and operational help.

How Index Data supports them

Based on the site's own framing, Index Data's support takes three forms:

Role What it means for a library
Operator Runs and maintains the platforms so libraries don't have to staff everything in-house
Developer Contributes code and builds custom projects for libraries and the wider ecosystem
Partner Works alongside libraries to sustain the systems over time, rather than a one-off sale

The company also lists "Additional Solutions" and "Custom Projects," indicating that its work is not limited to these two platforms.

What to check before deciding

The homepage does not publish pricing, feature lists, or adoption numbers, so treat those as open questions. Before committing:

  1. Go to the official FOLIO and ReShare project pages for current features, governance, and participating institutions.
  2. Ask Index Data directly which services they provide for each platform — hosting, migration, custom development, or support contracts.
  3. Confirm how the platform would integrate with your existing discovery and catalog systems.
  4. Ask for references from libraries of a similar size and workflow.

The site's closing invitation, "Let's Talk," is the intended next step for specifics that the homepage does not cover.