1. Searching with Boolean Operators Created by Terri Bogan, M.L.S. For Hope International University Fullerton, CA
2. Searching with Boolean Operators Make your search more precise using the connectors AND, OR, and NOT between your search terms. Narrow your search using AND. Broaden your search using OR. Exclude words from your search using NOT.
3. “AND” Narrow your search and retrieve fewer items by using the Boolean operator “AND”. Example: crime AND statistics The circle on the left represents items with the word “crime”. The circle on the right represents items with the word “statistics”. The shaded crossover section represents items that include both words crime AND statistics. The items retrieved must contain all words in the search. crime statistics
4. “OR” Broaden your search and retrieve more items using the Boolean operator “OR”. Example: robbery OR theft The circle on the left represents items with the word “robbery”. The circle on the right represents items with the word “theft”. The entire shaded area, including the crossover section, represents items with either one or both words robbery OR theft. robbery theft
5. “NOT” Use “NOT” to eliminate a word meaning (e.g. find items about dna testing, but not as it relates to crime). Example: dna testing NOT crime The circle on the left represents items with the words “dna testing”. The circle on the right represents items with the word “crime”. The crossover section is excluded in a “NOT” search because that section includes items with the word “crime”. crime dna testing
