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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
  • cats AND dogs
• brainstorm for synonyms or other words that define what you are looking for. Put the OR between synonyms
  • cats OR felines
• use the quotation marks to ensure that the words in your phrase are searched together and not treated as two separate words
  • "domestic animals"
• nest by grouping sets of keywords between parentheses when using more than one Boolean operator.
  • (cats AND dogs) OR "domestic animals" AND expense