Boolean Operator Changes
AND, OR and NOT are only interpreted as Boolean operators if they are in UPPERCASE (e.g., flowers OR trees, trees NOT maples)
If searching for book titles and phrases using these words, do not capitalize. Examples of phrases and book titles with no Boolean operator:
This applies to databases such as Academic Search Premier, EconLit, MLA International Bibliography.
Keep your search simple
Search on key concepts (using synonyms if necessary) one at a time
Concept 1 | Concept 2 |
fire, fires | fauna |
blaze, blazes, blazing | mammal, mammals |
burns, burning | bird, birds |
Use AND, OR, NOT accurately:
Search Concept 1 | Set #1 | FIRE* OR BLAZ* OR BURN* |
Search Concept 2 | Set #2 | FAUNA OR MAMMAL* OR BIRD* |
Combine both concepts | Set #3 | #1 AND # 2 |
Build your sets of concepts, then combine them as needed
Search a third concept | Set #4 | grassland* or prairie* |
Omit 3rd concept from previous results | Set #5 | #3 NOT #4 |
The SEARCH HISTORY command shows your previous searches. You can return to them, or combine them in different combinations as you refine your search.
Don't waste time getting nowhere. After 10-15 min., ask an SRS librarian for help!