Search Techniques

Search Techniques

Search tools (the online catalog, subject directories, search engines, etc.) are online indexes or databases. When you search an online index or database, you will have a better chance of success if you understand some fundamental search techniques.

Search techniques include the use of truncation, phrases in quotation, boolean logic, and field searching.  The application of search techniques varies from database to database.  Before you begin searching a database, take a few minutes to review any online HELP screens or guides so your queries will be constructed properly.

Truncation

Use truncation to retrieve variant word endings.  It will broaden your search when you get too few results.  Different resources use different symbols for truncating words, so read online HELP screens and guides. Example: In some databases, teach* will retrieve teach, teacher, teaches, teaching, etc.

Phrases in quotation

Search for phrases by putting them within quotations.  This technique has become a de facto standard. Examples: "death penalty"  "gun control"  "special education"  "cold war"

Boolean logic

The Web is a vast computer database, so it must be searched according to the rules of computer database searching.  Much database searching is based on boolean logic.  Boolean logic refers to the relationship among search terms.  It consists of three operators: OR, AND, and NOT.

• OR broadens a search. It retrieves records with AT LEAST ONE term present. The more synonymous terms you combine, the more records you retrieve.

Example:  college or university retrieves records that contain college, university, or both terms

• AND narrows a search. It retrieves records with BOTH terms present. The more terms you combine, the fewer records you retrieve.

Example:  poverty and crime retrieves records that contain both poverty and crime, not records with just one or the other

• NOT narrows a search. It retrieves records with ONLY ONE term present. Be careful when you use NOT. The term you want may be present in documents that also contain the word you wish to avoid.

Example: cats not dogs retrieves records that contain cats and excludes records that contain dogs, and also those that contain cats and dogs