Boolean Operators
These tips are meant for use with the library's subscription databases. The search mechanism works differently and more efficiently than an Internet search engine such as Google.
- use keywords or phrases (two words) that are most relevant to your research
- brainstorm for synonyms or other words that define what you are looking for. Put the OR between synonyms
- use the quotation marks to ensure that the words in your phrase are searched together and not treated as two separate words
- nest by grouping sets of keywords between parentheses when using more than one Boolean operator.
- (cats AND dogs) OR "domestic animals" AND expense
