Spark 001 (Nies)

• Use AND when you want to include the words or phrases on both sides in your search.
• Use OR when you're looking for either search term. These are usually synonyms or similar ideas. 
• Use NOT to exclude a search term or phrase from your results

We can also use quotation marks ("") around two or more words; like "Peanut Butter" or "Peanut Butter and Jelly". Putting a phrase in quotes will ensure that your results include the whole phrase. 

This video reviews Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), phrase searching, and truncation.

Online Research: Tips for Effective Search Strategies (3:04)

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Ronald Williams Library, 1:27

1. What do you enter into the library database search box to start looking for information?
2. What are some ways you can limit your results?
3. How do you break down your research question?
4. What Boolean operator narrows your search?
5. What Boolean operator expands your search?
6. What Boolean operator blocks topics in your search?