Boolean Operators
Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine keywords in a search.
1. Use AND to narrow a search. Both search terms must be present in all references retrieved
Example: global warming AND forests
2. Use OR to expand a search. Your search will retrieve records with EITHER of the terms. OR is most
often used to combine synonyms or like terms.
Example: children OR adolescents
3. Use NOT to exclude a term. Records with the first term will be retrieved, but any records with the
second term will be eliminated.
Example: eating disorders NOT bulimia
