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searching 101
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Searching 101

Search Operators

Most of the databases at SCU and elsewhere have Boolean search operators. Think of Boolean search operators as search commands that allow you to hone your query. The most common operators are:

  • AND
  • OR
  • NOT (sometimes AND NOT)
  • Truncation/Wildcard (usually an asterisk)

Use AND to narrow your search. Use OR to broaden your search. Use NOT to restrict your search. Use truncation to include alternate spellings, plurals, and suffixes.