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Surpass Logo

Library automation system for public & corporate libraries

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Table of Contents

Surpass - 2026 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives

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All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: January 2026

Surpass overview

What is Surpass?

Surpass is a library automation software designed to help public, corporate, church, museum, and school libraries handle cataloging and circulation of books. The integrated patron management module enables administrators to import patron lists, create photo ID cards, and automatically send email reminders and payment overdue messages to users.

It offers an online public access catalog (OPAC), which allows members to search reading resources in real-time. The application lets users manage catalogs as per machine-readable cataloging (MARC) standards and scan international standard book number (ISBN) barcodes. Surpass also provides a self-service portal, which helps users check-in/out, renew library resources, and manage their accounts.

Surpass lets businesses personalize the OPAC interface using custom widgets, add book reviews, summaries, annotations, excerpts, table of contents, and author notes, and enhance search options. Other features include content management, an activity dashboard, automated notifications, inventory management, reporting, data import/export, custom fields, and more.

Key benefits of using Surpass

Human-Centered, Not Corporate-Focused
Prioritizes real-world library workflows over unnecessary enterprise features.

Responsive to Customer Feedback
Product updates are guided by actual librarian input, not generic market trends.

Proven in Real-World Library Environments
Trusted by libraries with limited resources and high service expectations.

Improves Patron Access to Materials
Clean, organized catalogs help patrons find what they need quickly and independently.

Supports Growing and Changing Collections
Scales comfortably as collections evolve without adding complexity.

Encourages Consistent Library Use
A user-friendly experience supports repeat patron engagement and trust.

Low IT Maintenance
No complex infrastructure required — ideal for organizations without dedicated IT staff.

Easy for Staff and Volunteers to Use
Minimal training required, making it ideal for libraries with limited staff, rotating volunteers, or part-time administrators.

Affordable, Predictable Pricing
Straightforward pricing without surprise fees, making budgeting simple for small organizations.

Personalized Customer Support
Direct access to knowledgeable support staff who understand your library’s unique needs.

Starting price

55flat rate /
per month
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Pros & Cons

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Responsiveness

Adaptability

Simplicity

Guidance

Surpass’s user interface

Ease of use rating:

Surpass pros, cons and reviews insights

To determine these pros and cons insights, we analyzed responses from 

Overall rating

Reviews sentiment

 
 
 
1-2(1)
3-4(16)
5(111)

What do users say about Surpass?

Users think Surpass is easy to use, with intuitive navigation and helpful tutorials that make training staff and volunteers straightforward. They appreciate its customizable features, strong cataloging tools, and flexibility for school and community libraries, noting that it meets a wide range of library needs and adapts well to different environments. They find customer support responsive, knowledgeable, and patient, consistently resolving issues quickly and offering guidance during setup and troubleshooting. Some report occasional bugs, minor interface challenges, and a learning curve, but they feel the support team is always available to help address these concerns.

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Who uses Surpass?

Based on 128 verified user reviews.

Company size

Small Businesses

Enterprises

Midsize Businesses

Top industries

Education Management
Libraries
Religious Institutions
Primary/Secondary Education
Others

Use cases

Library Automation
Catalog Management

Surpass's key features

Most critical features, based on insights from Surpass users:

Catalog management
Search/Filter
Circulation management
Barcoding/RFID
Patron management
Content library

All Surpass features

Features rating:

User management
Records management
Data import/export
Access controls/permissions
Activity dashboard
Reporting & statistics
Digital asset management
OPAC
Inventory management
Online catalog
Content management
Periodicals management
Serials management
Customizable branding
Fee collection
Self check-in/check-out
Third-Party integrations
Reserve shelf management
Barcode recognition
Self service portal
School libraries
Resource management
Reservations management
Barcode/Ticket scanning
Church libraries
Public libraries
Private libraries
Law libraries
Historical reporting
Full text search
Equipment tracking
Alerts/Notifications
Customizable reports

Surpass alternatives

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Per month

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Caspio logo
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Surpass pricing

Value for money rating:

Pricing plans

Pricing details:

Free plan
Free trial
Subscription

Congregational

55

Per month

Small

80

Per month

Large

115

Per month

District

130

Per month

Premier

200

Per month

User opinions about Surpass price and value

Value for money rating:

To see what individual users think of Surpass's price and value, check out the review snippets below.

“We have recommended this software to other non-profit lending libraries that have reached out to us to find out how we developed such an amazing catalog.”
SF

Stacey F.

Alliance for Children, Education Stars Program Director

“Being able to inventory quickly and easily is important for volunteers. Having an attractive and easy to use online catalog is also very important.”
EM

Elizabeth M.

Church librarian

Surpass customer support

What do users say about Surpass customer support?

Customer support rating:

We analyzed 66 verified user reviews to identify positive and negative aspects of Surpass customer support.

Widespread user sentiment highlights Surpass customer support as prompt, knowledgeable, and highly responsive to inquiries.

A significant portion of users appreciate the variety of contact options, including phone, email, and chat, for reaching support.

Broad user base reports that support staff are friendly, patient, and go above and beyond to resolve issues thoroughly.

Frequently reported by users, the support team is available, approachable, and provides clear, non-technical explanations.

Support options

Email/help desk
Faqs/forum
Knowledge base
Phone support
Chat

Training options

Documentation
Videos
Live online

To see what individual users say about Surpass's customer support, check out the review snippets below.

“Surpass has the best customer service and support! When I have a question about the Surpass Central product, they provide a variety of ways that I can contact them to reach out for help. ”

MS

Misti S.

Media Specialist

“We've had a few glitches and a bit of a learning curve on my part, but Surpass customer support has been knowledgeable and supportive in getting through each issue.”

CG

Cathy G.

School librarian

“All the staff at Surpass are friendly, helpful, and caring to their customers and take care of all your needs in a timely manner.”

EK

Ellen K.

Surpass FAQs

Q. What type of pricing plans does Surpass offer?

Surpass has the following pricing plans:
Starting from: $55.00/month
Pricing model: Subscription


Q. Who are the typical users of Surpass?

Surpass has the following typical customers:
Large Enterprises, Mid Size Business, Public Administrations, Small Business


Q. What languages does Surpass support?

Surpass supports the following languages:
English


Q. Does Surpass offer an API?

No, Surpass does not have an API available.


Q. What level of support does Surpass offer?

Surpass offers the following support options:
Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat

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