Boolean searching

1. Searching
Databases
w/ Boolean
searching techniques

2. What is a
database?

3. According to World Book online…
…a collection of related
records or information,
stored on a computer and
organized to make any part of
it accessible.

6. I can’t find
anything on my
topic!

7. •Spelling
•Too specific in the search
terms (phrasing)
•Too broad
•Using a database aligned
with your topic
•Key words vs. subject

8. Boolean Searching

9. Boolean researching
…creating a more useful
search statement.

10. For example:
You are looking for
information about the Kansas
City Chiefs and their dealings
with Native Americans
regarding their mascot.

11. Kansas
City Chiefs

12. Kansas
City
Chiefs
49,481 17,283

13. Boolean operators
AND
OR
NOT

14. “ AND “
…narrows a search

15. Kansas
City
Chiefs
1,161

16. Kansas
City
Chiefs
Native
Americans
2

17. “ OR “
…broadens or expands a
search

18. Kansas
City
Chiefs
65,603

19. “ NOT “
…limits a search

20. Kansas
City
Chiefs
48,320

21. Kansas
City
Chiefs
16,122

22. Boolean operators
AND
OR
NOT

23. Research
Using
Peer-reviewed
Journals

24. Peer-reviewed:
•The article goes through an editorial process that
involves review and approval of one’s peers.
Scholarly journal:
•Authored by academics for a target audience that
is mainly academic
•Published by a recognized society with academic
goals and missions

49. Any Questions?