Database Search Strategies-2

Database Searching Tools

Before we start searching in the databases, you should understand the concepts behind the basic search tools. Library catalogs and databases, as well as Web search engines include searching features that allow you to focus and control your search. (For more information see the Help or Tips pages in each online tool).

Two of the most common search tools:

  • Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
  • Phrase searching

Boolean Searching with Operators, AND, OR, NOT

Boolean operators are used to combine a single term or phrase into a complex term or phrase. Typical Boolean operators are AND, OR, and NOT.

AND narrows a search, OR expands a search, and NOT excludes terms from the search.

The shaded areas below indicate the results of the use of Boolean operators with search terms.

boolean.jpg

Boolean searching:

 

Fruit AND Vegetables finds articles that have both terms.

 

Fruit OR Vegetables finds articles that have one or both terms.

 

Fruit NOT Apples finds articles that have the term Fruit but not the term, Apples.

Graphic: “How to Search” National Clearinghouse on Academic Worklife.

You will find Boolean logic in the advanced search mode in Library article databases. The search below is for articles about plant health AND roses, but NOT vegetables:

asc.png

Phrase searching using quotation marks “….. ….”

Phrase searching retrieves words in exactly the same order you type them. You must use quotation marks – for example “learning disabilities” to keep the word learning next to disabilities, in that order.

"Searching Databases Links to an external site.." YouTube, uploaded by Yavapai College Library, 11 Oct. 2011.