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Info 4: Finding Articles

Boolean Operators

Boolean Operators are a powerful tool in the search for articles:

          

 

You can use multiple operators within the same search to get even more effective and powerful results. Simply group your synonyms with OR, then combine them with another key concept using AND.

If you wanted to find whether a library database has information on the United States and the economic fallout from the attacks of 911, what would be your search strategy?

What Would You Use?
(United States OR economy) AND 9/11: 40 votes (17.54%)
United States AND economy AND 9/11: 177 votes (77.63%)
United States NOT (economy OR 9/11): 4 votes (1.75%)
(United States OR economy) NOT 9/11: 7 votes (3.07%)
Total Votes: 228