Manage your library with Surpass
Surpass is an affordable management system for libraries of all types, including schools, public, congregational, museum, and corporate libraries. Whether you’re automating a library for the first time or looking to upgrade an existing library management system, we’re here for you!
Easy-to-use features designed
to save you time, no matter your experience.
Anywhere, anytime
Access your library from anywhere with our cloud-based software.
Custom Reports
Get the exact information you're looking for with our fast and customizable reporting options.
Easy Cataloging
Updating and maintaining your catalog is as simple as scanning an ISBN barcode.
Beautiful Public Catalog
Your patrons will love using your library's beautiful online catalog.
Circulation
Check in, check out, renew, and place holds quickly and easily in Surpass Cloud.
Patron Management
Everything you need to manage your relationship with your patrons is at your fingertips. Even schedule automatic emails for reminders and overdue notices.
Self-Check
Set up Self-Check stations in your library where patrons can check out, check in, and renew on their own.
User Friendly
Beginners and experts alike can be productive in Surpass Cloud right away, and help is always at your fingertips.
Smoothly automate day-to-day functions from
anywhere, anytime with Surpass Cloud.
Utilize customizable interfaces and give your patrons the power to search inventory, place holds, read reviews, and more within your OPAC. Surpass Cloud provides you with modern, efficient management tools, making day-to-day functions flow easily.
CONGREGATIONAL
Billed Anually
10,000 volumes
1,000 patrons
Includes features most used by congregational libraries
Exclusively for congregational libraries such as churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues Learn more
- Easy Resource Cataloging
- Quick Add Resources by ISBN
- Quick Add Resources by Title/Author
- Patron Management
- Circulation
- Due Date Calculation
- Public Catalog (OPAC)
- Self-Check
- Rating and Patron-Written Reviews
- Copy Cataloging Z39.50 Source Selection
- Import Resource (MARC) Records
- Physical Inventory Features
- Resource Reports
- Patron Notes
- Patron Family Features
- Patron Reports
- Patron Notices
- Circulation Reports
- Holds
- Track In-Library Usage
- Lost & Found Tracking
- Custom Patron Types
- Custom Patron Fields
- Final Due Dates
- Custom Resource Reports
- Custom Patron Reports
- Custom Resource Templates
- Custom MARC Fields
- Charge Fines for Late and Lost Resources
- Resource Condition Classifications
- Resource Damage Classifications
- Export Resource Records
- Export Patron Records
- Lexile Features
- Accelerated Reader Features
- Fountas & Pinnell Features
- Optional Reading Program Service
- Resource Collections
- OPAC Search by MARC Field
- OPAC Search by Barcode
- OPAC Search by Call Number
- OPAC Search by Lexile
- OPAC Search by Accelerated Reader
- OPAC Search by Fountas & Pinnell
- OPAC Boolean Search
- OPAC Analytics
- Class Circulation
- OneRoster
SMALL
Billed Anually
5,000 volumes
1,000 patrons
Major features Learn more
- Easy Resource Cataloging
- Quick Add Resources by ISBN
- Quick Add Resources by Title/Author
- Patron Management
- Circulation
- Due Date Calculation
- Public Catalog (OPAC)
- Self-Check
- Ratings and Patron-Written Reviews
- Copy Cataloging z39.50 Source Selection
- Import Resource (MARC) Records
- Physical Inventory Features
- Resource Reports
- Patron Notes
- Patron Family Features
- Patron Reports
- Patron Notices
- Circulation Reports
- Holds
- Track In-Library Usage
- Lost & Found Tracking
- Custom Patron Types
- Custom Patron Fields
- Final Due Dates
- Custom Resource Reports
- Custom Patron Reports
- Custom Resource Templates
- Custom MARC Fields
- Charge Fines for Late and Lost Resources
- Resource Condition Classifications
- Resource Damage Classifications
- Export Resource Records
- Export Patron Records
- Lexile Features
- Accelerated Reader Features
- Fountas & Pinnell Features
- Optional Reading Program Service
- Time-Specific Loan Periods
- Resource Collections
- Customization of Resource Search Results Lists
- OPAC Search by MARC Field
- OPAC Search by Barcode
- OPAC Search by Call Number
- OPAC Search by Lexile
- OPAC Search by Accelerated Reader
- OPAC Search by Fountas & Pinnell
- OPAC Boolean Search
- OPAC Analytics
- Class Circulation
- OneRoster
LARGE
Billed Annually
Contact us for special K-12 school pricing
100,000 volumes
5,000 patrons
Full-featured Learn more
- Easy Resource Cataloging
- Quick Add Resources by ISBN
- Quick Add Resources by Title/Author
- Patron Management
- Circulation
- Due Date Calculation
- Public Catalog (OPAC)
- Self-Check
- Ratings and Patron-Written Reviews
- Copy Cataloging z39.50 Source Selection
- Import Resource (MARC) Records
- Physical Inventory Features
- Resource Reports
- Patron Notes
- Patron Family Features
- Patron Reports
- Patron Notices
- Circulation Reports
- Holds
- Track In-Library Usage
- Lost & Found Tracking
- Custom Patron Types
- Custom Patron Fields
- Final Due Dates
- Custom Resource Reports
- Custom Patron Reports
- Custom Resource Templates
- Custom MARC Fields
- Charge Fines for Late and Lost Resources
- Resource Condition Classifications
- Resource Damage Classifications
- Export Resource Records
- Export Patron Records
- Lexile Features
- Accelerated Reader Features
- Fountas & Pinnell Features
- Optional Reading Program Service
- Time-Specific Loan Periods
- Resource Collections
- Customization of Resource Search Results Lists
- OPAC Search by MARC Field
- OPAC Search by Barcode
- OPAC Search by Call Number
- OPAC Search by Lexile
- OPAC Search by Accelerated Reader
- OPAC Search by Fountas & Pinnell
- OPAC Boolean Search
- OPAC Analytics
- Class Circulation
- OneRoster Patron Integration
DISTRICT
Per Location, Billed Annually
Contact us for special K-12 school pricing
100,000 volumes per location
5,000 patrons per location
Multi Location
Full-featured Learn more
- Easy Resource Cataloging
- Quick Add Resources by ISBN
- Quick Add Resources by Title/Author
- Patron Management
- Circulation
- Due Date Calculation
- Public Catalog (OPAC)
- Self-Check
- Ratings and Patron-Written Reviews
- Copy Cataloging z39.50 Source Selection
- Import Resource (MARC) Records
- Physical Inventory Features
- Resource Reports
- Patron Notes
- Patron Family Features
- Patron Reports
- Patron Notices
- Circulation Reports
- Holds
- Track In-Library Usage
- Lost & Found Tracking
- Custom Patron Types
- Custom Patron Fields
- Final Due Dates
- Custom Resource Reports
- Custom Patron Reports
- Custom Resource Templates
- Custom MARC Fields
- Charge Fines for Late and Lost Resources
- Resource Condition Classifications
- Resource Damage Classifications
- Export Resource Records
- Export Patron Records
- Lexile Features
- Accelerated Reader Features
- Fountas & Pinnell Features
- Optional Reading Program Service
- Time-Specific Loan Periods
- Resource Collections
- Customization of Resource Search Results Lists
- OPAC Search by MARC Field
- OPAC Search by Barcode
- OPAC Search by Call Number
- OPAC Search by Lexile
- OPAC Search by Accelerated Reader
- OPAC Search by Fountas & Pinnell
- OPAC Boolean Search
- OPAC Analytics
- Class Circulation
- OneRoster Patron Integration
PREMIER
Per Location, Billed Anually
Unlimited volumes per location
Unlimited patrons per location
Multi-Location
Full-featured Learn more
- Unlimited volumes per location
- Unlimited patrons per location
- Multi-Location
- Full-featured
- Easy Resource Cataloging
- Quick Add Resources by ISBN
- Quick Add Resources by Title/Author
- Patron Management
- Circulation
- Due Date Calculation
- Public Catalog (OPAC)
- Self-Check
- Ratings and Patron-Written Reviews
- Copy Cataloging z39.50 Source Selection
- Import Resource (MARC) Records
- Physical Inventory Features
- Resource Reports
- Patron Notes
- Patron Family Features
- Patron Notices
- Circulation Reports
- Holds
- Track In-Library Usage
- Lost & Found Tracking
- Custom Patron Types
- Custom Patron Fields
- Final Due Dates
- Custom Resource Reports
- Custom Patron Reports
- Custom Resource Templates
- Custom MARC Fields
- Charge Fines for Late and Lost Resources
- Resource Condition Classifications
- Resource Damage Classifications
- Export Resource Records
- Export Patron Records
- Lexile Features
- Accelerated Reader Features
- Fountas & Pinnell Features
- Optional Reading Program Service
- Time-Specific Loan Periods
- Resource Collections
- Customization of Resource Search Results Lists
- OPAC Search by MARC Field
- OPAC Search by Barcode
- OPAC Search by Call Number
- OPAC Search by Lexile
- OPAC Search by Accelerated Reader
- OPAC Search by Fountas & Pinnell
- OPAC Boolean Search
- OPAC Analytics
- Class Circulation
- OneRoster Patron Integration
Libraries We Serve
These are some of the many types of libraries using Surpass. Don’t see your library pictured here? That’s okay! We support libraries of every shape, size, and mission.
Enhanced Content
Surpass offers the option to extend and enhance your catalog with content from over 10 million titles. Insert book jacket images, include summaries, annotations, excerpts, table of contents, author notes, and reviews. Let patrons know which books are part of a series and add video and music related to their selections.
Improve the browsing experience by providing rich, interactive information that helps patrons make informed choices. With enhanced metadata and multimedia integration, users can easily explore related titles, discover new authors, and view additional resources connected to their interests. This feature transforms your catalog into a dynamic discovery tool, encouraging deeper engagement with your library’s collection.
Awards & Honors
Automatically update your catalog when literary medal winners are announced. Configure your settings to only show the awards you want within book details, tailoring the experience to your library’s needs.
This optional feature will highlight distinguished titles in your catalog by displaying recognized literary awards and honors. Help patrons quickly identify notable books that have received critical acclaim or industry recognition. By showcasing award‑winning titles directly within book details, libraries can help readers discover high‑quality literature and make more confident reading choices.
Reading Program Service
Automatically update MARC records with reading levels for The Lexile Framework and Accelerated Reader. When added to your subscription, this feature means that patrons can filter OPAC searches by reading level, point value, or quiz availability. Educators can use Lexile values to find resources for an individual or group of students, if your library opts to include this data.
Support educators and students by making it easier to find materials that match specific reading abilities and learning goals. With optionally integrated reading program data, libraries can provide more targeted search filters, helping users quickly locate books appropriate for different grade levels and reading skills. This functionality encourages effective learning, improves reading engagement, and helps educators select the most suitable resources for their students.
SIP Service
Enable seamless access across your library’s digital platforms with our optional SIP Service. When added, patrons can use the same login ID and password they use in your OPAC to sign into participating e‑book services such as OverDrive, Kanopy, and many more. You can also choose to set parameters that block patrons with overdues or outstanding fines, helping you maintain consistent lending policies across systems.
This optional service streamlines authentication, reduces login confusion, and creates a smoother experience for patrons accessing your digital collections.
Text Message Notices
Keep your patrons informed with optional text message notifications. When added, this service allows you to send reminders, overdue notices, hold alerts, and custom messages directly to patrons’ mobile devices, helping ensure important updates are received quickly and conveniently.
By offering text messaging as an additional communication channel, libraries can improve outreach, reduce missed notices, and support patrons in staying engaged with their accounts.
Not ready for the cloud? We have another option.
If your organization requires a locally installed program, we offer Surpass for Windows.
Mission
For more than 40 years, Surpass Software has empowered libraries of every size with intuitive, dependable library software. Our mission is to create user-friendly and powerful library management tools that allow librarians to streamline their workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on the programs and services that matter most.
Values
We believe libraries deserve technology that is reliable, welcoming, and built with genuine care. Our core values include simplicity, service, and trust, and we honor these by listening closely to our clients, shaping our development around their needs, and offering support that feels personal and responsive. These values guide every decision we make and reflect our long‑standing commitment to helping libraries thrive.
01
Continuous Development
We update and improve Surpass regularly to ensure that our clients have access to the latest technology. As automation becomes more intuitive, so do we, which is why we offer software that is easy to use, reliable, and requires minimal maintenance.
We continuously improve Surpass to provide modern and innovative solutions for our clients. As technology and business needs evolve, we adapt to ensure our software remains efficient, user-friendly, and reliable, helping simplify everyday operations.
02
Leading Service and Supoprt
Our library automation specialists are ready and willing to assist you. From routine tasks to customizing a product for your library, our specialists understand that your needs are their number one priority.
Our dedicated support team is always prepared to guide and assist you. Whether it’s handling everyday inquiries or tailoring solutions to meet your specific requirements, we prioritize your goals and ensure you receive responsive, reliable, and professional assistance at every step.
03
Any Library. Any Time.
Our library management software is used worldwide by libraries of all types and sizes. Surpass can be found in schools, public libraries, churches, hospitals, museums, and more.
Our advanced library management platform supports libraries worldwide, serving a wide range of communities. From academic and public libraries to specialized collections in medical, faith-based, and cultural institutions, Surpass delivers scalable and efficient solutions.
What Surpass Customers Are Saying
Our customers shape everything we build, and their feedback reflects the real impact Surpass has on daily library work. Visit our Capterra page for additional reviews.
The customer service is excellent and is the primary reason I would recommend this software to others; I always know that help is just an email or a phone call away.
What do I like best about Surpass? In a nutshell, EVERYTHING! Surpass is such a great program. I cannot say enough good things about Surpass.
The process of inputting new resources is straightforward and efficient, with clear fields and options that make organizing materials simple…
You could not improve your service, because you can’t get better than perfect.
I would rate it a 10 on a scale of 1-10. We reviewed 49 systems before making a final decision to go with Surpass. Once we saw it, there was no question.
Training was wonderful! Kim, the instructor, was highly knowledgeable and extremely willing to work at our pace. I cannot believe how much I learned…
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for Surpass Cloud?
Surpass Cloud can be used on most devices with modern web browsers. We support Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Will Surpass Cloud work on a Mac?
Absolutely! As a cloud application, Surpass Cloud is designed to be used on many kinds of devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and even mobile devices.
Does Surpass Cloud work on Chromebooks?
Yes! You can use Surpass Cloud on most devices that have a modern web browser.
Does Surpass Cloud have eBook Support?
Yes! Surpass Cloud has support for eBooks from OverDrive, MackinVIA, Kanopy, Hoopla, and others. With records provided by your eBook vendor, your patrons have one place to discover all of your library’s resources, including eBooks, and can link directly to eBook content.
Does Surpass Cloud automatically send overdue notices?
Yes! You can set reminders and overdue notices to be sent by email automatically based your schedule. You can even have two different levels of reminders to go out based on the number of days before the due date, and three different overdue notices based on the number of days overdue. For patrons for which you don’t have email addresses, Surpass Cloud automatically schedules PDF documents of notices, which you can print and deliver whenever you like.
Will I be able to use Surpass Cloud on more than one computer?
Yes! Surpass Cloud is designed to be used by multiple users at the same time. No additional “per seat” fees are required.
Can I purchase the Congregational plan for the school run by my church?
Surpass Cloud Congregational is only for church, temple, and other congregational libraries. It is not church-school libraries. If the library serves a congregation, then you can purchase Surpass Cloud Congregational. If the library serves both the place of worship and the school, then you will need to purchase one of the other plans.
How long does it take to get Surpass Cloud up and running?
Your Surpass Cloud site is usually available on the same day purchased, often within an hour. If you have data that needs conversion from CSV to MARC, plan to allow extra time for our staff to convert your data.
What kind of training is available after we purchase?
Help is always just a click away in Surpass Cloud, where you have access to our extensive (and easy to read) users guide. Customized live webinars can be purchased.
Can I import my students/patrons from a SIS or existing patron database?
In most cases, yes. You can typically set up an automated or manual integration between Surpass and your SIS via OneRoster. If your SIS or patron database is not OneRoster compatible, we can create a custom patron import template for a modest one-time fee.
Will I be able to keep my existing barcodes?
Most barcodes generated by an existing library automation program will probably be compatible. Contact the sales office for instructions on how to use the demo to test the compatibility of the existing barcodes.
Can I import my current records?
Surpass is a MARC based system and can only import MARC records. If you can export your current records in MARC format, they will probably import into Surpass with few problems. You may be able to export/import these records yourself, or we can do this for you for a fee. If your records are in Excel, we can probably do a materials conversion and convert them into MARC format for import. Unless there is extra record manipulation to do be done, the basic conversion charges begin at $350. Contact our sales office for details.
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