The document discusses basic searching techniques for using Boolean operators to more effectively search keyword functions. It covers using keywords that are broad but not too broad, related terms and synonyms to improve results. The three main Boolean operators - AND, OR, and NOT - are explained. AND requires both search terms, OR returns results with either term, and NOT eliminates specific terms. Other tips include using quotation marks for phrase searches and parentheses.

1. Searching Techniques
(using Boolean searching terms)
Presented by Tim Senapatiratne, Ph.D.
Reference Librarian
timothy.senapatiratne@eagles.usm.edu

2. This presentation will cover some
basic searching tips to help you more
effectively use the keyword search
function.
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3. Basic tips:
• Keywords that are too general will produce
too many results
• Keywords that are too specific may not
produce enough results
• Good keywords can be gleaned from syllabi,
class lectures and other books and journals
that you have read on your subject.
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4. Improving your Chances:
Think of related terms, synonyms and
sometimes even opposites.
If you are searching… Try searching…
• Car • Automobile
• Ecclesiastes (book of the • Qohelet (its other name)
Bible) • Quran (alternate
• Koran spelling)
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5. Boolean Searching
Boolean who?
What's a Boolean?
Is he really Mr. Boolean?
No, he is George Boole (1815-1864)
Image from wikipedia.org
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6. Image from wikipedia.org
George Boole was a mathematician who developed
advanced ideas about linguistic algebra. His "Boolean Terms"
help us relate and differentiate important search terms
There are 3 important Boolean terms:
"AND" "OR" "NOT"
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7. AND is a limiter
AND requires that both
search terms are in the For example, searching for
returned results. Car AND Automobile
would bring up only those
results that have both the
word Car and the word
Automobile in them.
Hint: Some databases
(and WorldCat) assume
“AND” between
keywords – you don’t
have to type “AND”.
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8. OR is a expander
OR expands results:
either word searched For example, searching for
will return results. Ecclesiastes OR Qohelet
would bring up results
that have the word
Ecclesiastes in them and
results that have the word
Hint: Some databases Qohelet in them
require that you
capitalize both letters of
OR
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9. NOT eliminates
NOT eliminating specific
words from your search For example, searching for
Jaguar NOT animal would
bring up only those results
that have the word Jaguar
in them, but not the word
animal in them (so you
Some databases could find things about
substitute the minus the car).
sign “-” for “NOT”
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10. Other hints
Using “ ” (quotation marks ) Sometimes using
allows you to do a very parentheses can be helpful.
specific phrase search.
For example, searching For example: (car or
“top ten songs of 1993” automobile) and Jaguar will
will look for that phrase retrieve all records with the
and not bring back songs word Jaguar and either the
from 2003. word car or automobile.
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11. Thank you
for your attention
Questions?
You can also email questions to me at:
timothy.senapatiratne@eagles.usm.edu
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