# Surpass Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Surpass the right Library Automation solution for you? Explore 128 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/10010536/Surpass/reviews --- Surpass 4.8 (128) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated April 28th, 2026 # Reviews of Surpass Ease of use 4.7 Customer Service 4.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews MC Mia C Community Engagement TechnicianNon-Profit Organization Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “What I like most about Surpass is its strong library management capabilities, security features, and customization options. While there is a learning curve, the system is intuitive and makes book cataloging, managing the library catalog, and tracking materials efficient and reliable.“ January 8, 2026 JG Judy G LibrarianLibraries, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I only have one complaint...You can't make 13 digit barcodes...or I can't figure out how...“ January 13, 2026 MG Marjorie G Library VolunteerLibraries, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Overall, the system has greatly improved the way I manage and present our library’s collection, making it both user-friendly for patrons and practical for administrators like myself.“ September 3, 2025 TP Ted P Library Team leadReligious Institutions, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Label printing is imperfect.“ February 8, 2025 DD Donna D Volunteer librarianLibraries, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “The web page is a nice addition for our patrons to search for titles within our listings and find out what is happening in our church library.“ March 4, 2025 Devendra Kumar S Manager Information Technology and Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “One of the main cons of Surpass software is the lack of customization options. While the software is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, users may find that they are limited in the ability to customize their experience.“ January 24, 2023 SE Sue E librarianEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Our PK-8 private elementary school library used the non-cloud based Surpass system for 15-20 years. When we decided to move to a cloud based platform, we looked at two other vendors before deciding that Surpass was by far the best option.“ October 1, 2024 RC Rachelle C LibrarianLibraries, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The hardest part to Surpass for me, is updating all the new students at the beginning of the school year. “ March 10, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 128 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use David N. Church Library Volunteer Religious Institutions Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Not Too Old to Learn" June 23, 2024 5.0 Pros It appears to be very easy to use. As soon as we received our login information we started work inputting our books into the system. Cons I haven't come across anything I don't like so far! Alternatives considered [Atriuum](https://www.capterra.com/p/8953/Atriuum/) Reason for choosing Surpass Price and the fact that I actually had someone respond the same day I requested information. Review Source Response from Surpass Software July 1, 2024 Thanks for the review, David, and welcome to the Surpass family! We're happy that you're finding Surpass easy to use. I think you'll be happy when you discover that we're just as quick to respond after the sale as we were before! MC Mia C. Community Engagement Technician Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "A Flexible System That Improves with Experience" January 8, 2026 5.0 My overall experience with has been positive. While there is a learning curve, the system is secure, customizable, and effective for library management, book cataloging, and tracking both circulating and non-circulating materials. Pros What I like most about is its strong library management capabilities, security features, and customization options. While there is a learning curve, the system is intuitive and makes book cataloging, managing the library catalog, and tracking materials efficient and reliable. Cons What I liked least about is the initial learning curve. While the system is robust and customizable, it can take time for new users to become comfortable navigating all features without additional guidance or training. Switched from [ResourceMate](https://www.capterra.com/p/40056/ResourceMate/) Stronger security and access controls for staff roles and sensitive data Review Source Response from Surpass Software January 9, 2026 Hi Mia! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback for us. I'm happy to hear that you are satisfied with your Surpass experience and am especially glad to hear that you are finding it efficient reliable. We're doing our best to make it so! I appreciate your thoughts regarding the learning curve. We've put a lot of effort into growing our documentation and video libraries over the past couple of years and will continue to do so in order to make onboarding as simple as possible. If you have any ideas for content that you think new users would find helpful, please let us know! BH Brandi H. Librarian Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "We love Surpass " May 4, 2026 5.0 I've been using for 4 years and can count any issues I've had on one hand and they were always resolved that day. I think my catalog is extremely easy to manage. Using Surpass is the least stressful part of my day. Pros is super user friendly! After taking over the librarian roll at my school I learned the entire software within weeks! Cons If I could change anything I might add more detailed report options. Seeing some other librarians run reports on social media has made me slightly jealous. Review Source Response from Surpass Software May 11, 2026 Hi Brandi, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm happy to hear that you've found Surpass Cloud easy to use and that we've been able to help you get things sorted when needed! I think you'll be happy to hear that we're currently exploring some new report options to help libraries explore the impact they're having in their communities! If you have any specific ideas/requests, we would love to hear about them! JR Jill R. Teacher Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Proceed with Caution" January 19, 2022 3.0 Pros I like the bright colors on the catalog. I also like that you can catalog books by just typing in the title and author. Cons The follow-up by the Help Desk is pretty much non-existent. The chat feature does not work so if you put in a ticket, you have to log in again to see if your question has been answered. I was hoping it would send me an email. It is also very slow when checking in books. Reason for choosing Surpass We thought it would be a smooth transition. Review Source Response from Surpass Software January 22, 2022 Hi Jill. Our support is one of the things people like best about Surpass, so I'm disappointed and concerned that we didn't live up to your or our own expectations. We would like to find out why chat wasn't working for you and why you didn't receive email updates on your support ticket. Perhaps we don't have your correct email address or our email went to your spam folder. Please reach out to us. We want to make sure you have a great experience with Surpass. KH Kathleen H. Coordinator Information and Resources Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Library Acquisition!" April 4, 2025 5.0 has exceeded our expectations and needs. However, it's also simple to use and small enough to manage, and the customer service is immediate and personal. Very happy with our decision to go with Surpass! Pros Customer service is excellent. They respond within minutes to my questions, and are extremely helpful and patient. The OPAC looks amazing and is easy to use. It's also quick and simple to catalogue new entries. Perfect fit for our small library! Cons Sometimes having to type the exact title to find the book in the Resource list. Alternatives considered [Mandarin](https://www.capterra.com/p/29128/Mandarin/)[Lucidea Integrated Library Systems](https://www.capterra.com/p/157700/Lucidea-Integrated-Library-Systems/) Reason for choosing Surpass The simplicity and look of the OPAC, the fact that is was customizable. The overview and orientation we received from when considering the purchase. Review Source Response from Surpass Software April 9, 2025 Hi Kathleen, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We're so glad to hear that you are happy with Surpass and that you have enjoyed working with our customer service team! You indicated that the OPAC was one of the major selling points for you. We've done our best to create an inviting OPAC with rich and user-friendly features, so it's excellent to hear that you agree! We look forward to continuing to support your library! MG Marjorie G. Library Volunteer Libraries Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Five stars! Couldn't be happier!" September 3, 2025 5.0 Overall, the system has greatly improved the way I manage and present our library’s collection, making it both user-friendly for patrons and practical for administrators like myself. Pros I’ve had a very positive experience working with as an administrator. The process of inputting new resources is straightforward and efficient, with clear fields and options that make organizing materials simple. I especially appreciate the flexibility in customizing records, which allows me to highlight important details and ensure users can easily locate what they need. Navigating around the site is smooth and intuitive—the menus are well-structured, and search features are responsive and accurate. Cons There is nothing so far that I have not liked about . It has been a learning curve to navigate around the site, so expect to need some time initially. Alternatives considered [TinyCat](https://www.capterra.com/p/268527/TinyCat/) Reason for choosing Surpass We liked the customer service and the ease of using the product. Switched from [ResourceMate](https://www.capterra.com/p/40056/ResourceMate/) We were looking for a cloud based system for our library. Review Source Response from Surpass Software January 12, 2026 Hello Marjorie, Thank you for taking the time to review Surpass and share your experience. We work hard to bring our librarians a system that is both efficient and user-friendly, so it's exciting to hear that you have observed those qualities! SF Stacey F. Alliance for Children, Education Stars Program Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "The Alliance for Children Smart Start Resource Center LOVES Surpass!" December 17, 2024 5.0 The customer service is excellent. The software and online catalog is simple to use. The online catalog projects a professional image and gives patrons a highly functional way to search, select, and place holds on materials. Pros is easy to use, flexible, and always improving. 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. We have to confess that we have very little to do with it...it is Surpass! Cons Sometimes requested changes are not accommodated because we are a minority in the way we use (toy library for a non-profit rather than a traditional library). It can be difficult to navigate between functions (go from transactions to resource/patron, etc.), although this is improving. Alternatives considered [ResourceMate](https://www.capterra.com/p/40056/ResourceMate/)[TinyCat](https://www.capterra.com/p/268527/TinyCat/)[Koha ILS](https://www.capterra.com/p/229051/Koha-ILS/)[Follett Destiny Resource Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/178363/Destiny-Resource-Manager/) Reason for choosing Surpass Ease of use, flexibility, beautiful catalog. Switched from [Follett Destiny Resource Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/178363/Destiny-Resource-Manager/) Follett was not very flexible for meeting our needs and it was difficult to use. Review Source DD Donna D. Volunteer librarian Libraries Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Excellent for our Church library!" March 4, 2025 5.0 Exceptional customer service - \[sensitive content hidden\] has been hands on to help with questions and figuring out even the smallest of details to make the system work for our needs. Pros Easy to manuever site and implement our catalog. The web page is a nice addition for our patrons to search for titles within our listings and find out what is happening in our church library. Cons N/A. Cloud has thought through everything to make this an excellent catalog for our use. Switched from [ResourceMate](https://www.capterra.com/p/40056/ResourceMate/) A storm took out our system and we lost our entire catalog. In researching for new system, the cloud was very appealing and other features made this the best choice for us. Review Source Response from Surpass Software March 6, 2025 Hi Donna, We're happy to hear that you are enjoying Surpass Cloud! I'm so glad that you are finding the program easy to use and that your patrons are enjoying the public catalog. I'm further pleased to hear that our support team has been so helpful in getting you adjusted to Surpass. Please don't hesitate to reach out as you continue getting settled. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! KH Kylie H. Media Specialist Libraries Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Worth Every Penny" January 9, 2026 5.0 So far, our small library has utilized the customization of the website layout especially for the cost of your system. Pros We appreciate how user friendly is for patrons and also our library staff. Our library catalog was easily uploaded into the Surplus system. Cons Honestly at this time has worked very well for our library needs. Customer service has been a huge help for our library. Alternatives considered [Alexandria](https://www.capterra.com/p/27788/Alexandria/) Reason for choosing Surpass We chose for easy use, website connection to the catalog, and price. Review Source MB Mary B. Librarian Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Five Star Customer Service" January 8, 2026 5.0 works well for our business and whenever there is a hiccup it is a pleasure to reach out and work with Customer Service. Pros My favorite thing about is actually the Customer Service. They have been quick, kind, empathetic and very positive every time I have reached out. This is very, very much appreciated. Cons There are a few things I would like to tailor to our specific office that I've been told are not possible, like removing due dates from the receipts. Review Source Response from Surpass Software January 12, 2026 Hello Mary, Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on Surpass. We are happy to hear that you have found our customer service team responsive and supportive. I believe I can speak for the whole team when I say we're all happy to be here and that we love supporting our libraries! I appreciate your honesty regarding the customizability options. We've tried hard to balance user-friendliness with customizability -- and we base most of our changes off of feedback from current clients. If we gather that more libraries would like to have the option to remove due dates from receipts, we'll certainly look at making that an option. In the meantime, I would recommend submitting a Wish List ticket so that if that option is ever added, you'll be the first to know! BT Brenda T. Volunteer Religious Institutions Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Barcode issue" June 30, 2025 5.0 Professional, prompt, kind, helpful. \[sensitive content hidden\] was great. Answer in minutes. The online chat was great. I felt heard and cared for. Pros Promptness of support and an answer in minutes! The online support was perfect and prompt. \[sensitive content hidden\] was kind and knowledgeable. Cons I do not have anything that I disliked. The service is great and the tech support is phenomenal. I would have left this blank because I have nothing that I didn’t like. Review Source Response from Surpass Software July 1, 2025 Hi Brenda, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your barcode issue. Our team works hard to jump on any questions or issues so that you can get on with your day. I'm so glad to hear that you had such a good support experience with us! It was a pleasure working with you as well! We look forward to continuing to support you and your library. AA Abygayle A. Librarian Specialist E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Surpass Review" December 11, 2024 5.0 Pros There is a lot to see on ! There is a lot of good options for adding items for our users to find, and it is easy to add them. The support team is also always very helpful and quick to take care of any of my questions or concerns. Cons There are some confusions with how things are separated into each category. Review Source Response from Surpass Software December 13, 2024 Hello Abygayle, Thank you for taking the time out of your day to review our software. We greatly appreciate your kind words and are happy to hear that you are enjoying the ease with which Surpass is operated. You mentioned that there is some confusion around categories. Please feel free to reach out to us about that. We would be happy to talk over everything! CD Carl D. Technology Coordinator Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Surpass Support" September 17, 2024 5.0 Excellent! Our rep, \[sensitive content hidden\] was a big help and resolved our issue. Pros Support goes beyond what is expected and is always professional and courteous Cons All was good. I had no problems or issues. Review Source Response from Surpass Software September 18, 2024 Hello Carl, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Surpass. I'm so happy to hear that you have had such an excellent experience with our software and support team! We look forward to working with you and your team further. KC Kathy C. Church Librarian Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Surpass review" September 5, 2024 5.0 Support has proven to be very helpful and able to hlep Pros Ease of use. Enter an ISBN and fills in fields Cons Limit of entries allowed without being charged extra. Review Source NT Nathan T. Computer Specialist Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Sanity Saving Software" August 16, 2022 5.0 Far better than my expectations. From the initial chat on their website, to the detail found on the website, to the support both before the sale and after the sale. They have been far better than I could have anticipated. Pros The most important feature of any software, the truest selling point for me was the ability to import MARC records from ancient library software (circa 2006). I had put off upgrading library software for so long and with a collection of over 10,000 copies I was most worried about losing that data. The software/hardware combination of the old system was on its last legs, and the initial software developer was very slow to respond to upgrading to their newer system. With they gave me a demo of which I tested their import feature and it was extremely easy to import everything I intended without the need for support on that feature. Second most important feature was they still sell the ability for a local installation. I am not too keen on cloud-based SaaS solutions. The third real selling point was the service; and that was true even from before the sale, but has continued after the sale as well. The level of service has blown my mind away. Even nit-picky type of things I have asked they have resolved. Cons Honestly the least liked is that some features display along the bottom of the software, not where I expect to find tabs for options. \[Note: I learn new software by clicking through menus/options and testing things.\] That, and few other things make the software feel a little clunky, maybe utilitarian. But it does what I need, and I am not picky on UI components once everything is setup and I know how to work it. Reason for choosing Surpass I also Googled other software but the vast majority of them were cloud-based, and I didn't spend too much time looking at those. The initial Google result included a page that listed along with others and the intro paragraph for Surpass sounded the most likely to import my data and still have local install. With Follett they provided an online conference call type demo (I couldn't test drive it myself, only watch); they did verify I could import the data I intended to; but then they didn't follow up for a very long time with so much as a price quote. The irony is by the time they did provide the price quote I was already switched to Surpass; and I didn't even try to switch for over a year. So why the switch? Responsiveness, Local install, test drive option, ease of data import, excellent support before \[and after\] the sale. Review Source Response from Surpass Software August 23, 2022 Thanks for your review, Nathan! While Surpass Cloud is our most-popular option, Surpass for Windows continues to shine! We're delighted that we have "blown your mind" with our level of service. That's our goal! vS victoria S. Teachers, Director Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Surpass is huge a value " July 21, 2023 5.0 The overall experience has been wonderful. We could not function to the highly organized level without . It saves us time & money. The reporting options are extremely helpful, finding what information Is needed so quickly has added positive productivity. Pros That I can use it from other devices.The reporting systemFinding students quickly Cons Training, I have not taken the time needed to fully understand all that does or how it all works. I would like a training map, that shows me how to train and in what order, from the basics and on. Reason for choosing Surpass This is the system TECTA used when I started my position. Review Source Response from Surpass Software July 24, 2023 Thanks for your review, Victoria! We're happy that Surpass is helping you keep your library organized and serving your patrons. For training, you might want to check out the videos on the Surpass YouTube channel. The Getting Started with Surpass Cloud, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzgbAvFdgzY, is a great place to jump in. Of course, Surpass Support is always here for you if you need guidance! MA Monique A. Media Clerk Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "We love Surpass!" May 22, 2023 5.0 Pros I have used at two different libraries over the years and it is a wonderful system. It is very user friendly and easy to train people to use. We just switched to Surpass Cloud and so far it is great. The learning curve from the windows based system to the cloud based system is small and there are some features in the cloud that we didn't have before that are GREAT! Cons There really isn't anything we don't like. Some of the reports are a little tricky to find (Resource vs. Patron vs. Circulation - deciding which one it would be under) but once you find them they provide a wealth of information. Review Source Response from Surpass Software July 24, 2023 Thanks for your review, Monique! We're happy to hear that you're enjoying using Surpass. We have so many reports in Surpass Cloud that even I sometimes have to think about whether a report is under Resources, Patrons, or Circulation! 😆 We would love to hear any ideas you might have to make finding the report you want easier. The best features in Surpass often start with ideas and suggestions from our clients. LD Linda D. Volunteer Librarian Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Surpass Support Staff" March 26, 2024 5.0 When you are a 'one person shop' it is good to know that you have the support staff to do just that - support you. In my first library life, I mostly did legal research. So the world of cataloging was overwhelming to start. But the support group always knows how to help migrate to the Cloud, resize labels, put the OPAC on our website, change default settings and fix glitches in copy cataloging. No question has ever been too small. Pros I have especially enjoyed creating nested Explore buttons for our unique online catalog. Cons Sometimes the online instructions for working in the Cloud can be a bit confusing, but the support staff is always there to walk you through them. Review Source Response from Surpass Software March 27, 2024 Hi Linda, Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We're so glad to hear that you have enjoyed working with our support team and that you are comfortable coming to us with your questions. You're absolutely correct... no question is too small! If there are any sections of the Cloud instructions that you think need clarification, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're always happy to refine our documentation as needed and would be grateful for your input. JK John K. Chair operations Libraries Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Changing over to the Cloud" December 8, 2023 5.0 Works well for our Community Library. Easy to train new volunteers on its use. Pros The changeover was very quick and easy. Help screens are available for the pages that at first were a little different than Windows . But in a few moments, you can see the correct procedure for your transaction. Cons There are no cons yet. The changeover does need a little time to see the difference but then it is easy. We at the library have no real issues. Review Source Response from Surpass Software February 29, 2024 Thanks for the review, John, and thanks for making the leap from Surpass for Windows to Surpass Cloud. We're delighted that you're enjoying using it. We get a lot of cheers for the ever-present Help button that takes you directly to documentation and videos related to the page you're viewing. WK Wong K. Library Assistant Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Library Software" October 25, 2023 5.0 Pros Easy to use, great tools to manage library works Cons Didn't find any cons, excellent tools and software Review Source Response from Surpass Software October 31, 2023 Thanks for the review! We're delighted that Surpass is working so well for you. MS Mary S. Media Clerk Libraries Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Surpass " February 16, 2022 5.0 Whenever I have a problem or issue the staff at is wonderful! Always friendly and professional. Pros Very user friendly and if you happen to have an issue their customer service is a call away! Cons There is nothing I can think of that I'd change. Review Source Response from Surpass Software February 17, 2022 Thanks for your glowing review, Mary! You're making us blush! lR lucy R. librarian Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Small government library" July 23, 2021 5.0 We've used software products in our small government library for over 15 years and have been very satisfied with its tools, customer support, functionality and ease of use. Pros We like this product because it's inexpensive, easy to use, and can be installed on a secured shared local server. Cons I have no complaints about any aspects of the software. Reason for choosing Surpass There are very few OPAC products for small libraries. We were lucky to have found . Review Source Response from Surpass Software August 24, 2021 Fifteen years! Thanks for being such a loyal Surpass user and thanks for your kind words. CS Correy S. Knowledge Manager Utilities Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A robust, independent product that creates confidence due to its simplicity of operation. " April 20, 2018 5.0 Freeing up staff time for professional work, rather than being stuck doing repetive, clerical work. The speed with which the annual stock take happens now that we have a mobile barcode reader, and the resultant report from are just two of an endless list of benefits. Pros The logical grouping of features, the awesome customisation allowed in writing your own reports. The adherence to international standards (MARC, etc) made it super ease to integrate with my country's Bibliographic authority. The reassurance that when you power it up, it does not only appear on your screen, but it is working!! Cons The manipulation of fonts in reports is somewhat limiting when designing complex, comprehensive reports. Review Source TH Tami H. Volunteer Librarian Religious Institutions Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Excellent Online Library Catalog" December 15, 2020 5.0 Pros Having this online catalog available has been great! The software works great and is excellent at customer service! Everytime I have an issue, they are helpful and responsive and resolve it. Our patrons love it and find it very user friendly! We're so happy with the decision to go with the Cloud version of Surpass software for our church library! Cons Because it's new, there have been a few bugs, but each time they are resolved quickly! Review Source Response from Surpass Software March 25, 2021 We're glad you're enjoy Surpass Cloud! We love what you've done with customizing your library's OPAC. KG Kay G. Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Small Church Library Software" September 1, 2016 5.0 Being a former public librarian gave me a good reference point for choosing a software package for our church library. After several months of research, I chose the CL because of all of its features. The member functions - check-out, search, and reserve - are easy for the members to use, which was necessary as this is currently mostly a self-serve library. There is always a learning curve when learning a new database, but the database for maintaining the collection was not difficult to learn. It can be customized in many ways & do what you want. It is geared for growth. The IT help is amazing and patient. When learning any software, there may be questions or the occasional glitch. The sales personnel are not pushy. I have had it for two years now & would recommend Surpass to any library. Review Source ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.