Communico

What Communico does

Communico is a privately held LLC headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut that builds an integrated suite of ten cloud-based software modules exclusively for public and academic libraries. Founded in 2005 and serving 400+ library partners reaching approximately 70 million residents in the US and Canada, the platform includes Create (website/CMS), Attend (events and programs), Reserve (room and equipment booking), Schedule (appointments), Broadcast (digital signage), Connect (patron mobile app), Roam (staff mobile tools), Interact (self-service kiosks), Explore (AI-powered unified discovery), and Challenge (reading and engagement programs). All modules share a unified Control Panel and common database, and are built on AWS infrastructure with country-localized data centers for compliance.

The company's technology is differentiated by deep native integrations with seven major Integrated Library Systems (Koha, Symphony, Horizon, Sierra, Polaris, Millennium, and Evergreen) plus SIP2 support for TLC, Apollo, and Verso, and SAML-based SSO with Azure AD and Microsoft ADFS. The Explore module connects to 14+ digital content providers including Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, LinkedIn Learning, and Gale Courses. The platform carries full WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance with published VPAT 2.5 Rev 508 reports across all certified products. Specialized integrations include Zoom for virtual/hybrid events and RemoteLock for time-bound door access codes.

Communico operates a SaaS subscription model with annual billing, where pricing is based on service population (for public libraries) or registered student population (for academic libraries), with full platform access and no usage caps. Implementation and training services are bundled into the partnership. The go-to-market is sales-led and enterprise-oriented, with a consultative demo process targeting library directors and IT leadership, supported by dedicated implementation specialists and customer success managers. The company is founder-led by Paul Quelch (CEO), with no disclosed external institutional funding beyond a single $300,000 round from Lighter Capital in November 2017.

Name

Communico

Legal name

Communico LLC

Website

https://communico.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Communico is a privately held SaaS company that provides an integrated suite of ten cloud-based modules exclusively for public and academic libraries, serving 400+ library partners and 70M+ residents across the US and Canada via annual subscriptions priced by service population.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Library Management Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise/Team Messaging (BPAMACAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Community/Group Chat Platforms (BPAMACAH)

Keywords

• Library management software
• Cloud library platform
• Integrated library system
• Library event management
• Library mobile applications

Headquarters

HQ city

Stamford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Annual Subscription: Subscription-based pricing model with annual billing. Pricing is based on service population for public libraries or registered student population for academic libraries. Full platform access with unlimited use and no usage caps included.
2. Implementation & Training Services: Comprehensive implementation and training services included with partnership, with dedicated specialists guiding libraries through the entire onboarding process from kickoff to launch.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Communico is an integrated SaaS suite of ten cloud-based enterprise modules built specifically for libraries: Create (website/CMS), Attend (events and programs), Reserve (room and equipment booking), Schedule (appointments), Broadcast (digital signage), Connect (patron mobile app), Roam (staff mobile tools), Interact (self-service kiosks), Explore (AI-powered unified discovery), and Challenge (reading programs). All modules share a common database and Control Panel, integrate with major ILS systems, and are sold as an annual subscription.

Product overview

Communico is an integrated suite of ten cloud-based applications built specifically for public and academic libraries. The platform includes: Create (website/content management), Attend (events and program management), Reserve (room and equipment booking), Schedule (appointment scheduling), Broadcast (digital signage), Connect (customer mobile app), Roam (mobile staff tools), Interact (self-service kiosks), Explore (AI-powered unified discovery with catalog search), and Challenge (reading and engagement programs). All modules share a unified Control Panel, integrate with common ILS systems, and are designed to increase library usage through technology while streamlining staff workflows.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Communico: Integrated suite of cloud-based applications for libraries
• Communico College
• Communico Connect
• Communico Create
• Communico Attend
• Communico Reserve
• Communico Schedule
• Communico Broadcast
• Communico Roam
• Communico Interact
• Communico Explore
• Communico Challenge
• Tiny Library

Products and services

• Create Website and content management system (CMS) enabling libraries to build branded websites without coding experience. Includes accessibility checkers, responsive design, and content scheduling.
• Attend Events and program management module for creating, promoting, and managing library events. Supports virtual, hybrid, and in-person events with registration, waitlists, and Zoom integration.
• Reserve Room and equipment booking system with self-service customer flow. Supports mediated/unmediated reservations, door lock integration, and virtual meeting rooms via Zoom.
• Schedule Appointment scheduling module for customer-facing bookings with librarians, notary services, curbside pickup, makerspace labs, and more. Includes virtual appointment support via Zoom.
• Broadcast Hardware-agnostic digital signage solution for displaying events, announcements, and custom content on any screen. Supports scheduling, multiple locations, and real-time updates.
• Connect Multi-platform customer mobile app (iOS/Android) bringing all library services together. Includes catalog access, event registration, room reservations, appointments, account management, and digital library cards.
• Roam Mobile staff tools enabling librarians to perform customer-facing and circulation tasks from anywhere. Supports check-in/out, item lookup, holds, account management, event registration, and room reservations on iOS/Android devices.
• Interact Self-service kiosk solution combining checkout, catalog browsing, and library services. Hardware-agnostic, supporting various kiosks, tablets, or touchscreens. Includes RFID compatibility.
• Explore AI-powered unified discovery layer integrating catalog search, digital collections, events, and services. Features AI concierge, personalized recommendations, and real-time ILS synchronization.
• Challenge Gamified reading and engagement program tool for managing summer reading, literacy, wellness, and STEAM challenges. Includes customizable badges, awards, progress tracking, and group challenges.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400+ library partners served across 70M+ residents
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration28 records

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or IntegrationAWS provides cloud hosting infrastructure for the Communico platform. Instances are hosted in data centers located within customer countries to ensure compliance with local data requirements. AWS high-availability architecture with automatic failover mechanisms ensures reliability.
• Zoom Video CommunicationscoreTechnology or IntegrationNative integration with Zoom allows libraries to create virtual events, hybrid events, and virtual room reservations. Works with Zoom Rooms or Zoom Meetings (pro level) accounts. Zoom access details automatically added to confirmation and reminder emails.
• RemoteLockcoreTechnology or IntegrationSmart lock integration allowing libraries to generate unique access codes that only work during the reserved time period. Libraries purchase and install RemoteLock hardware, and Communico configures the integration via RemoteLock API.
• KohacoreTechnology or IntegrationOpen-source ILS integrated via API for patron authentication, catalog access, and circulation functions.
• SymphonycoreTechnology or IntegrationAPI integration with SirsiDynix Symphony ILS for patron authentication, catalog access, and circulation functions.
• HorizoncoreTechnology or IntegrationAPI integration with Horizon ILS (SirsiDynix) for patron authentication, catalog access, and circulation functions.
• SierracoreTechnology or IntegrationAPI integration with Sierra ILS (Innovative Interfaces) for patron authentication, catalog access, and circulation functions. Supports 'section' field for item location display.
• PolariscoreTechnology or IntegrationAPI integration with Polaris ILS (Polaris Library Systems) for patron authentication, catalog access, and preferred pickup location features.
• MillenniumcoreTechnology or IntegrationAPI integration with Millennium ILS (Innovative Interfaces) for patron authentication, catalog access, and circulation functions.
• EvergreencoreTechnology or IntegrationAPI integration support added for Evergreen open-source ILS within Attend and Reserve modules.
• TLC (The Library Corporation)coreTechnology or IntegrationSIP2 integration support for TLC ILS providers including Apollo and Verso.
• Digital Content ProviderscoreTechnology or IntegrationExplore module connects directly with leading digital content providers: Libby, CloudLibrary, Boundless, Hoopla, Press Reader, Comics Plus, Kanopy, Creativebug, LinkedIn Learning, Gale Courses, Universal Class, EBSCO Connect, Mango Languages, and Brainfuse. Where supported, Single Sign-On is enabled.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SirsiDynix: SirsiDynix is a major incumbent ILS provider (Symphony, Horizon, BLUEcloud) with growing SaaS capabilities in discovery, mobile, and analytics. It competes head-to-head with Communico at large library systems and can bundle adjacent functionality, making it both a partner (ILS integration) and competitive threat.
• Innovative Interfaces (a Clarivate company): Innovative provides the Sierra and Millennium ILS platforms and Polaris-adjacent services for public and academic libraries. It is one of Communico's most important ILS integration partners and, like SirsiDynix, a competitive incumbent in core library-system workflows.
• OCLC: OCLC operates the WorldCat cooperative and a portfolio of library services (WorldCat Discovery, Wise, CONTENTdm) used by most US public and academic libraries. It is a broad incumbent whose discovery, ILS-adjacent, and identity services compete with several Communico modules.
• Ex Libris (Clarivate): Ex Libris, part of Clarivate, sells Alma and Primo to academic and large public libraries, alongside discovery and mobile products. It overlaps with Communico's Create, Connect, and Explore modules and brings vastly greater R&D resources and a global footprint to the same customer base.

Direct peers

• Bibliotheca: Bibliotheca sells library-focused hardware and software including self-service kiosks, RFID, digital media, and library engagement solutions. It overlaps most directly with Communico's Interact (kiosks) and Connect (mobile) modules and serves many of the same public library buyers.
• Springshare: Springshare is the closest direct competitor to Communico — a private, library-focused SaaS vendor selling a multi-product suite (LibGuides, LibAnswers, LibCal, LibInsight, LibCRM) to public and academic libraries. Both companies compete for the same marketing, engagement, and scheduling budgets inside the same library buyers.

Emerging players

• Lucidea: Lucidea provides library and knowledge-management software (SydneyEnterprise, Kronos for Special Collections) primarily serving academic and special libraries. It competes with Communico in the academic segment and in discovery-adjacent workflows, even though its installed base is narrower than Communico's.
• The Library Corporation (TLC): TLC provides the Library•Solution, Apollo, and Verso ILS platforms plus CARL•Solution discovery. SIP2 integration with Communico is already certified, and TLC competes for the same multi-module public library procurement mandates.
• ByWater Solutions: ByWater Solutions is a Koha-focused open-source ILS host and services provider for libraries, with adjacent discovery and mobile offerings. Smaller and more narrowly focused than Communico, but it competes in the same open-ILS-integrated library SaaS niche.
• Polaris Library Systems: Polaris Library Systems supplies the Polaris ILS platform with integrated room booking, events, and mobile capabilities used by public libraries. It is both a deep integration partner for Communico and a direct competitor in events, scheduling, and mobile workflows.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gocommunico
• Facebookfacebook.com/gocommunico
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/communico-llc
• Instagraminstagram.com/gocommunico

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Communico