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Church Library Automation Q & A

Q. My library is located in an area that cannot be locked or secured. I don't want to leave a computer out in the open. How can I automate?

A. There are two solutions. The first is to simply use a laptop computer.  When the library closes, bring the computer home. Lock your printer and barcode scanner (use a rolling cart) in a closet or office.  Note that using a laptop gives you the flexibility to catalog and do other administrative tasks from home.

When you open the library, you'll need only to plug in a power cord, barcode scanner, and printer.  If you need Internet access, it's helpful if the church offers wireless Internet access, which is not complicated or expensive to set up. 

Another solution is to set up a portable station with your laptop or other computer. Find a sturdy rolling cart for your computer, printer and barcode scanner.  When you close the library, just push the computer into a locked closet or office. 

Q. My library is only open a few hours each week.  Will automated circulation really benefit me?

A. Yes! The key is the use of barcodes. In an automated library, each item is assigned a unique barcode. Place one barcode sticker on the book and another barcode sticker on the book card in the card pocket. 

When borrowers visit the library, they sign their names on the book cards and place them in a collection basket.  You collect the cards, type the patron's name, then scan the barcode.  That easily, the book is checked out. Surpass maintains easily accessible circulation records. You won't need those tedious sign-out notebooks and lists! 

Q. I don't know a lot about computers and fear I'll "mess up" my software. How can Surpass calm my fears?

A. Surpass Hosting Service was created just for folks like you!  We'll take care of your software, install program updates, and keep a current back-up of your Surpass database. 

To access Surpass, simply use any computer with Internet access to reach our servers. Your software is instantly ready to use just as if were installed right on your own computer. 

Q. Can I automate without barcoding my collection or purchasing a barcode scanner?

A. Yes, but we don't recommend it. Barcode scanners read two kinds of barcodes: the barcode printed on the backs of most books AND the unique barcodes specific to your collection. (Your unique barcodes are generated by Surpass and printed on small labels you apply to each item in your collection.)

Scanner used for cataloging: Surpass' Quick Cataloging feature works the fastest when you simply scan the barcode printed on the back of most books. 

Barcoding used for circulation, even without a scanner:  You benefit from barcoding your collection even if you don't purchase a scanner. To circulate a book, simply type the barcode number instead of the title.

You may choose to barcode your collection now and purchase a scanner later.

Q. You offer several automation programs. Is Surpass CL the only program for churches?

A. Any Surpass automation program will work beautifully in your church or synagogue library!  For a list of additional features available, click here.

Q. Why would I choose Surpass Select or Surpass SL over Surpass CL?

A. There are advanced features available in Surpass Select or Surpass SL. For a list of additional features available, click here.

Q. Can I do inventory with Surpass CL?

A. Surpass CL includes basic inventory features.  You can perform a basic physical inventory using your circulation scanner with Surpass CL.  This is perfect for smaller libraries, such as those found in churches.  We also have advanced inventory features including support for portable barcode scanners available through Surpass Shuttle, an add-on module that works with our other automation suites, Surpass SL and Surpass Select, but does not work with Surpass CL.  You might consider one of these other suites for your church library if these extra features are needed in your library.

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