Use the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT when you want to link more than one search term together. (Capital letters are only shown here for emphasis -- it doesn't matter how you type them in the search box.) If you enter more than one search term with no Boolean operators, LINCCWeb will automatically assume they should be connected with AND - and will find records that include all of the search terms.
You can type Boolean operators directly in the search box in a Keyword Search or Browse Lists search.
You can select Boolean operators from the drop-down menu or type them in the search box in an Advanced Search.
You can create some very complex searches by using Boolean operators. However, in general, it is better to start out with a simple search. You can always refine your search later if the results are not what you expected.
Examples:
|
Search Terms |
Search Results |
|
cat AND dog |
Finds records that include both the words "cat" and "dog" |
|
cat OR dog |
Finds records that include either the word "cat" or "dog" |
|
AIDS NOT hearing |
Finds records that include the word "AIDS," but not records that also include the word "hearing" |
|
drug AND abuse AND (treatment OR recovery) |
Finds records that include both the words "drug" and "abuse," and either "treatment" or "recovery" |
|
drug AND abuse AND treatment OR recovery |
Finds records that include the words "drug" and "abuse" and"treatment", or finds records with the word "recovery" (whether or not the records include the words "drug" or "abuse") |