Boolean Logic
 

When searching in databases (OPAC or Proquest Direct) or online (directories or search engines) you can narrow down or broaden your search by using Boolean logic. Use keywords and/or subjects in combination with AND, OR, AND NOT, and " ".

For example, each combination below will yield different results.

 civil AND war
This search string would narrow down your results. Only sites that include both terms would be found, but the terms do not need to be related each other. For example, you might find sites about civil ceremonies during World War I.
 
 civil OR war
This search would result in many hits. Every site will include either Civil or War. You would get many sites, some useful and some useless! It would be a great deal of work to weed out the good from the bad.
 civil AND NOT war
This search would NEVER show any Civil War sites. You would probably get sites about civil law, civil disobedience, civil court, etc.
 "civil war"
The use of quotation marks forces the search engine to find both terms, Civil War, together on the site.

 

Visit this internet site for more help with Boolean Logic. Also, remember to read the "Help" section of each search engine for other useful tips.

 


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