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Why use Boolean operators?
To focus a search, particularly when your topic contains multiple search terms
To connect various pieces of information to find exactly what you're looking for
Use AND in a search to:
- narrow your results
- tell the database that ALL search terms must be present in the resulting records
- example: cloning AND humans AND ethics
The red triangle in the middle of the Venn diagram below represents the result set for this search. Joining all three terms with AND will produce a smaller result set.
Use OR in a search to:
- connect two or more similar concepts (synonyms)
- broaden your results, telling the database that ANY of your search terms can be present in the resulting records
- example: cloning OR genetics OR reproduction
All three circles represent the result set for this search. It is a big set because any of those words are valid using the OR operator.
Use NOT in a search to:
- exclude words from your search
- narrow your search, telling the database to ignore concepts that may be implied by your search terms
- example: cloning NOT sheep