LibraryThing is thrilled to announce that Talpa Search is now available in Aspen Discovery from Grove for Libraries. With Talpa Search, patrons can search for books and other media using natural language. Talpa Search goes beyond traditional library searching to find items by plot details, genre, descriptions, and more. While Talpa Search works with all library systems, this is its first integration directly inside the catalog.
Aspen Discovery libraries can now enable Talpa Search as a search mode, allowing patrons to see results from Talpa Search seamlessly integrated into the look and feel of their library catalog.
Talpa Search in Aspen Discovery enables users to search for “novels about France during World War II” or “recent cozy mysteries” and receive relevant results, all within their existing library catalog, without special syntax or filtering.

Just as patrons will love the ability to search their library catalog using natural language, librarians will appreciate the customization options available with the Talpa Search module, including branding, text, and display settings. Talpa Search also includes an optional setting to display a materials request link for items not owned by the library—useful as a collection development tool.
Talpa Search is available by subscription and can be accessed through a standalone site for those without Aspen Discovery. You can see the Talpa Search catalog integration in action here, and the stand-alone site at https://www.talpasearch.com/.
About Grove for Libraries
Grove for Libraries offers development, hosting, support, and more for Aspen Discovery, Aspen LiDA, and other projects related to Aspen. Grove employees also contribute time and expertise to all Aspen Community meetings as well as dedicated Office Hours to help grow and support all libraries and organizations using Aspen. Learn more at https://www.groveforlibraries.com/
About Talpa Search
Talpa Search combines cutting-edge technology with data from libraries, publishers, and readers to enable entirely new ways of searching—and find what you’re looking for.
Designed specifically for libraries, Talpa Search is available by subscription, has no usage caps, and integrates with a library’s catalog and holdings.
Talpa Search was developed by the developers, librarians, and librarian-developers of LibraryThing. Learn more at https://www.talpasearch.com/about.
“Talpa” means mole in Latin. (Moles dig for things!)
About Aspen
Aspen is a suite of open-source library software that started with its flagship Discovery and has since expanded to include additional tools like the Aspen LiDA mobile app and Aspen Web Builder.
Aspen was the first discovery layer to give patrons seamless access to all library resources in one place. By connecting with multiple content platforms for e-books, library events, digital archives, and other third-party services, Aspen is dedicated to avoiding vendor lock-in and empowering libraries with control by offering them options for which vendors they want to integrate with Aspen.
Aspen is used by more than 2,000 libraries worldwide and is supported by a vibrant community of hundreds of librarians. Learn more at https://community.aspendiscovery.org/