LibGuides: Constructing Search Statements: A Basic Guide: Introduction

Introduction

This guide provides a brief introduction to the construction of search statements.
With efficient use of Boolean operators, functions and careful planning of your Search Strategy, you will be able to design effective search statements that yield fruitful results.

Function	Use it to:	Example	Searches for
Parentheses (Nesting)	Direct search engine to perform operations in parentheses first	science AND (“elementary” OR “primary”)	Records on science AND elementary, as well as on science AND primary
Truncation	Search for keywords containing a common root word	stud*	student studies
Phrase searching	Search for phrases	“peer review”	peer review as a phrase

Boolean Operator	Use it to:	Example:
AND	Search for records with all keywords	plagiarism AND writing
NOT	Exclude records with keyword	review NOT literature
OR	Search for records with 1 or more of keywords	plagiarism OR academic dishonesty