Common Questions and Answers

Q: What happens when I reach 5,000 volumes?

A: Surpass SL will not allow any new MARC records to be created or imported once the 5,000 limit is reached.  As you approach the 5,000 limit, you should consider upgrading from your SL package to a full Surpass Select license, which will allow unlimited records.

Q: How much does it cost to upgrade from SL to Select to remove the 5,000 limit?

A: You simply pay the difference between Surpass SL and the current (at the time of upgrade) full price of Surpass Central and Safari.  There is no penalty for starting with SL and upgrading later.

Q: Will I have to re-install or transfer data to upgrade?

A: No.  You will only need to enter a new license number.  You'll simply send us your license file (usually via e-mail) and well send you back your new license.  All data is retained.

Q: What limitations are there on Surpass SL and Surpass Web SL other than the 5,000 volume limit?

A: None.  You're actually running the same version with the same features as Surpass Select users.  The difference is that your license number limited the number of volumes you may enter.

Q: Can I run Surpass SL on a network?

A: Yes.  Simply purchase network station licenses for each computer running one or more Surpass applications, or a site license for unlimited use.  Surpass SL does not come with network licensing.  Surpass Web SL includes a site license.

Q: We have a web site.  Does that mean we can purchase Surpass Web SL  (which includes Web Safari) to put our collection on the Internet?

A: Maybe, but probably not.  More than just a "web site" is needed.  You must have your own web server physically running at your location.  Simply having a web site hosted by a hosting company will not allow you to run Web Safari.  This if for two reasons: 1) your hosting company won't let you install software (Web Safari) on their server and 2) Web Safari must be running on a server that has access over the same network to your Surpass database file.

However, even if you have a hosted web site and cannot use Web Safari, there is still a way to make limited information about your materials available on your web site.  See the next question.

Q: How can I make my collection available over the Web?

A: The ideal method is using Web Safari.  Visit the Web Safari page for details.  If you are unable to run Web Safari, you can still make information about your collection available over the Web however.  If you have a web site, you can use Surpass Central to export lists of materials to HTML, then upload the HTML pages to your web site.  This does not provide a comprehensive searchable catalog with typical subject, author, title, and keyword search capabilities, but it can provide a static materials list.  This might be a possible solution for very small collections.  You might, for example, export a list of new materials from Central to post to your site.  Or you might export a list of materials broken down by category (video list, book list, etc.).  You might even have different lists with different sort orders (one by author, one by title), etc.