Boolean Operators

Boolean Operators • George Boole – mathematical theory of combining sets. Dog and Cat Dog Cat

Using Quotation Marks “Labrador retriever” and “Yorkshire terrier” LR YT Using quotation marks places the words in proximity to one another.

Using “or” “Labrador Retriever” or “Golden Retriever” and “Yorkshire Terrier” LR GR YT Using “or” expands your subset for synonymous terms.

Using “not” Celtic and dance not Boston Celtic Boston Dance Using “not” helps us to eliminate false records.

Global Warming Topic: Global Warming is harming the environment “global warming” and “environment” (exact words with proximity location) “global warming” or “greenhouse effect” (retrieves both phrases which expands set) “global warming” or “greenhouse effect” and harm* (expands set and retrieves exact words + searches for words such as “harm or harmful.”This is called “truncation.”

Synonyms • If you are having difficulty finding sources, try to search using synonyms: Bad – harmful, opposed, adverse, negative, oppressive, poor, neglible, inferior, invalid, defective Good – beneficial, supportive, better, adequate, positive, pleasant, agreeable, credible

Boolean Operators