Search using Boolean operators
From Library Wiki
What are Boolean operators? (from Rutgers University)
The Boolean Machine is a tool for visualizing the effects of Boolean operators on keyword searches.
The Boolify Project has an interactive tool for visualizing the effects of Boolean operators.
BOOLEAN SEARCHING REVIEW
For searching bibliographic databases
Decide what words best describe your topic. Connect them with either AND, OR or NOT.
corpses AND insects retrieves records containing both words
beetles OR flies retrieves records containing either word
retrieves records containing the word insects
either the word corpses or the word cadavers
insects NOT beetles when you want insects but not beetles
beetles NOT automobiles when you want beetles but not cars
Use truncation – in most databases, the truncation symbol is an asterisk.
corps* will retrieve corpse and corpses.
When you find relevant articles, look at the subject headings in each record. Subject headings are chosen from a controlled vocabulary. Perhaps the subject heading is phrased “entomology” rather than “insects”? If so, search again, replacing “insects” with “entomology”.
