To retrieve the most relevant search results, you will need to construct a search string.
A search string is a combination of keywords, truncation symbols, and boolean operators you enter into the search box of a library database or search engine.
Are you finding too much or not enough information? Try using boolean operators and truncation symbols, or use alternative, narrower, or broader keywords to vary your results.
Boolean operators are connector words, such as AND, OR, and NOT, that are used to combine or exclude words in a search string for more focused results.
Operator | Examples | Results |
AND |
business AND ethics |
Results contain ALL of the search terms. |
OR |
hotels OR motels |
Results contain ANY of the search terms, but not necessarily all of them. |
NOT |
java NOT coffee |
Excludes results containing the second search term. |
Truncation or wildcard symbols allow you to look for variations of words. They often broaden your search results.
For example, searching on sport* would bring up variations such as sport, sports, sporting, sporty, etc.
Note: The truncation symbol varies by database. Consult the database’s “help” or “search tips” pages for details.
This tool is designed to teach you how to create a search string using Boolean logic. Cut and paste the search string results into the search box of a library database or search engine.
For more advanced searching tips, visit their Inside Search site.
Search Strategies | Examples |
Queries are not case sensitive. |
Barack Obama and barack obama produce the same results. |
Results will typically include each word or punctuation mark included in the query. Some stop words or exceptions apply. |
|
Keep queries descriptive, but use as few terms as possible. Avoid natural language. |
Use colorado statehood instead of when did colorado first become a state. |
Google automatically truncates search terms. To prevent this, use a + sign in front of each term. |
A query on child retrives results with "children" and "childcare". |
Use double quotations marks (" ") to search terms as an exact phrase. |
A query on "Barack Hussein Obama II" will retrieve only those sites that refer to Obama by his full name. Sites that refer to him as simply 'Barack Obama' may be overlooked. |
Use the site: feature to limit your results to a specific website or class of websites. |
The query cloning site:online.wsj.com will only retrieve articles about cloning from the online version of the Wall Street Journal. |
To allow for either of several words to appear in your results, use the OR operator. The operator must be in all caps. |
A query on hotel OR lodging OR inn will retrieve results with any or all of these terms. |
Ukiah Campus: 707.468.3053 | Coast Center: 707.961.2200 | Lake Center: 707.263.4944 | North County Center: 707.459.6224 Email: Library Webmaster | Mendocino Community College
Powered by Springshare. Login to LibApps