How To Use Boolean Logic Searching

What is Boolean Logic? It is the process of linking concepts in order to narrow or expand a search. Search systems will differ, but Boolean logic is a constant. It consists of three basic commands (And, Or, Not) that either expand or limit your search results.

AND links two or more terms and narrows a search, retrieving only those references containing at least one term from each concept. The AND connector is very good for narrowing a search to the specific topic being researched.

EXAMPLE: child AND abuse

OR links two or more terms and expands or broadens a search retrieving all records containing at least one of the search concepts entered. The OR connector is very good for linking synonyms or related concepts in order to retrieve as much relevant information as possible.

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NOT narrows a search by removing all references that contain a particular word or phrase.

EXAMPLE: abuse NOT sexual

For additional boolean logic examples and information on proximity searches

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(Note: This links to a PDF file which requires the Adobe Reader.)

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