Using Boolean operators such as AND, OR and NOT can make searches more precise. AND narrows searches by only retrieving results that contain all search terms. OR broadens searches by retrieving results with either term. NOT excludes results that contain the excluded term. These operators allow researchers to include, require or omit terms to get the most relevant results.

1. Searching with Boolean OperatorsCreated by Terri Bogan, M.L.S.For Hope International UniversityFullerton, CA

2. Searching with Boolean OperatorsMake 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 statisticsThe 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.crimestatistics

4. “OR”Broaden your search and retrieve more items using the Boolean operator “OR”.Example:robbery OR theftThe 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.robberytheft

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 crimeThe 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”. crimedna testing

6. “AND”Connect your search terms using the “AND” operator.

7. “OR”Connect your search terms using the “OR” operator (sometimes referred to as “AND OR”).

8. “NOT”Connect your search terms using the “NOT” operator (sometimes referred to as “AND NOT”).