Surpass
Surpass is library management software for school libraries, available as a cloud service and for Windows.
What Surpass is
Surpass is library management software for school libraries, available as a cloud service and for Windows. Surpass Cloud supports cataloging with MARC records and ISBNs, circulation tasks such as check-in, renewals, and holds, and an online public catalog for patrons. Libraries can import patron records from a OneRoster-compatible school information system and schedule automatic synchronization. Self-check stations and SIP2-compatible tools are supported, including RFID kiosks and mobile self-check applications. Pre-built reports help staff manage collections and review popular resources. The K–12 cloud plans are billed annually: the Small Library plan is $960 a year for up to 5,000 volumes and 1,000 students; the Large Library plan is $1,440 a year for up to 100,000 volumes and 5,000 patrons per location. A free 30-day trial is available for Surpass for Windows. A Cloud trial is described as coming soon, with an online demonstration available to request. Non-MARC records may require conversion.
Good
- Cataloging supports MARC records and ISBNs
- Online catalog lets patrons search collections
- OneRoster-compatible patron record synchronization
- Supports self-check stations and SIP2 tools
Watch out
- No free plan
- Cloud plans are billed annually
- Cloud trial is not yet available
- Non-MARC records may need conversion
Who it suits
Surpass suits school libraries that need cataloging, circulation, patron synchronization, and collection reporting. Its broader listed users include public libraries, churches, hospitals, and museums.
Verdict
Surpass covers common school library workflows, from cataloging and circulation to patron synchronization and reporting. Consider the annual plan limits and the distinction between the Windows trial and the not-yet-available Cloud trial.
Plans and prices
From Surpass's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Surpass Cloud Small Library (K-12) | $960 a year | Up to 5,000 volumes · Up to 1,000 students · Annually |
| Surpass Cloud Large Library (K-12) | $1,440 a year | Up to 100,000 volumes · Up to 5,000 patrons · Per location · Annually |
The facts
Each one read from Surpass's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cataloging
- Staff can find and copy matching catalog records using MARC records and ISBNs.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Circulation
- Surpass Cloud supports check-in, check-out, renewals, holds, barcode labels, and spine labels.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the services are designed primarily for organizations such as schools and libraries and addresses children under 13 using services through customers with customer authorization.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Public catalog
- The public catalog lets patrons search the library collection online.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Purpose
- Surpass Cloud is library management software for school libraries, with tools for cataloging, circulation, and reporting.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Record import limit
- Surpass is described as a MARC-based system that can import MARC records; the FAQ says non-MARC records may require conversion.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Reports
- Pre-built reports help libraries manage collections, review popular resources, and inform collection decisions.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Self-check and integrations
- Surpass Cloud supports self-check stations and SIP2-compatible tools, including RFID kiosks, mobile self-check applications, and automated materials handling systems.checked 30 Sep 2001
- SIS integration
- Surpass can import patron records from a OneRoster-compatible school SIS and schedule automatic synchronization.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Support
- The K–12 page describes its support team as U.S.-based and says it can answer questions, provide guidance, and advise on library practices.checked 30 Sep 2001
- Who it serves
- Surpass says its software is used by libraries including schools, public libraries, churches, hospitals, and museums.checked 30 Sep 2001
Where it runs
- Platforms
- Surpass Cloud runs in modern browsers, and Surpass also offers a locally installed Windows product.checked 30 Sep 2001
Money
- Trial
- Free 30-day trials are available for Surpass for Windows; Surpass Cloud trials are described as coming soon, with an online demonstration available to request.checked 30 Sep 2001
Alternatives to Surpass
- 1
Librarika
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.4From $11.58 a month - 2
ReadByte
Web6.9From £8.25 a month - 3
ResourceMate
WebLinuxmacOSWindows6.8From $18.33 a month - 4
LibraryWorld
AndroidiOSWeb6.7From $45.83 a month - 5
Pinakes
Free planAndroidWebAPISelf-hosted6.7Free plan - 6
SLiMS
Free planWebLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.4Free plan