At Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Kochi, we’ve been steadily embracing Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) to enhance our library and campus services. From our Koha-based library management system to open-access repositories and communication tools, open technologies have helped us build scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to our institutional needs.
Digital Signage for Libraries and Beyond
As part of our ongoing digital transformation, we explored the use of digital signage to broadcast library updates, promote resources, and share information dynamically with students and faculty. Instead of opting for costly proprietary platforms, we chose to deploy Xibo, a robust and community-driven open-source digital signage system.
What Is Xibo?
Xibo is a full-featured, open-source digital signage platform that enables you to display a mix of videos, images, live web pages, and text-based messages on any screen. Content can be managed centrally through a web-based Content Management System (CMS), while individual screens are powered by Xibo Players that automatically synchronize with the CMS.
For libraries and educational institutions, Xibo opens up a world of possibilities, such as:
- Broadcasting announcements, events, and library hours
- Showcasing student achievements or research highlights
- Displaying live dashboards, reading lists, or inspirational quotes
- Integrating with existing systems for real-time data displays
Scaling It Across the Campus
After successfully deploying Xibo in the library, the system’s flexibility and ease of use encouraged us to extend it across the entire Sacred Heart College campus. Now, multiple departments can broadcast their updates, event posters, and information slides seamlessly — all managed from a single dashboard.
The signage screens, placed strategically across the campus, have become an integral part of our internal communication strategy, reducing reliance on print notices and ensuring timely, visually engaging information delivery.
Why We Chose FOSS for Signage
Our choice of Xibo was guided by several factors that align with our institution’s open-source philosophy:
- Cost-effective: No recurring licensing fees or vendor lock-in
- Customizable: Complete control over software and deployment
- Cross-platform: Works on Linux, Windows, and Docker environments
- Self-hosted: Data privacy and control remain within the institution
- Community-driven: Supported by an active open-source community
Our Installation Experience
We deployed Xibo CMS using Docker on our Debian server, which simplified the setup and maintenance. The Xibo Player was installed on a dedicated display NUC, configured to auto-start on boot, ensuring uninterrupted display service.
We also experimented with Anthias (formerly Screenly OSE) — another open-source signage system — for lighter setups, particularly for Raspberry Pi and single-screen displays. Xibo gave us a powerful and flexible signage ecosystem for varied campus use cases.
With Xibo, Sacred Heart College now enjoys a cost-effective, flexible, and fully open-source signage solution. Whether used for information displays, event announcements, or real-time dashboards, Xibo delivers a professional presentation layer built entirely on open technologies.
Want to Try It Yourself?
If you’d like to experiment with Xibo, follow the official installation guide below to set up the CMS and Player:
Xibo for Docker | Xibo Digital Signage
