George Boole, a famous mathematician, invented Boolean logic which uses AND and OR operators to combine search terms. Boolean logic allows search engines to understand what information a user is looking for. AND produces results that include all search terms while OR produces results that include any of the search terms. Using Boolean operators such as AND and OR allows users to more precisely define their search queries to find relevant information.
2. George
Boole
•He is a rock star
•He did math like Michael did “Thriller”
•He invented Boolean Logic
This is
3. BOOLEAN LOGIC
is a system that combines terms using AND and OR.
Boolean lets you tell a search
engine what you want to know!
4. How you think How a search engine thinks
George Boole, a
famous
mathematician, wa
s also a great
animal lover. Do
you think he had
any pets?
5. If the search engine
were a person, this
would be an easy
problem – it just
speaks a different
language!
How a search engine thinks
6. Boolean is how you translate
between your English and the
search engine’s super-logical
computer language!
Luckily, you only need to
know two easy words.
12. ONLY
stuff about
CATS
AND
BOOLE
By using AND, we have told the search engine to
eliminate any results that do not include BOTH
keywords.
Now we have a good chance of finding the
information we want!
24. This is how we can tell the search engine to give us only
results that include the word “BOOLE” at the same time as
either the word “CATS” or the word “DOGS.”
Now we’re SURE to find what we’re looking for!
BOOLE AND (CATS
OR DOGS)
25. Where is Boolean used?
• Google!
– Google already puts AND between all of your search
terms, but sometimes you may want to use OR instead
– Using OR can supercharge your Goo-fu!
– Try the example!
• Boole (cats OR dogs)
• Any database
– Databases usually give you drop-down AND/OR menus
– Even easier than the Goo
– Access them for free through your public library, school or
college
26. Boxford’s Databases
Remember, you’ll need your card to log in!
Academic One-File Lots of good stuff in one neat place
Gale Virtual Reference Library Good for quick answers
EBSCOhost A bunch of databases, all useful
HeritageQuest Great for looking up your ancestors
http://boxfordlibrary.org/index.php/databases