Finding Information

Animated version

Boolean (search) operators

GIVEN: 2 keywords...
DEVELOP: A key concept.

Search terms linked with Boolean (search) operators allow you to target (narrow) your search. They can also be used to broaden a search which yields only a few hits.

This example uses keyword search terms Films and Reviews

1. Films AND Reviews
   Narrow search.....search results could include items on:
   • FILM CRITICISM - (Films/reviews)
   • but not...
     • Screenplays - (Films)
     • Tribunals - (Reviews)
2. Films OR Reviews
   Broad search.....search results could include items on:
   • POLYMERS - (Films)
   • AUDITING - (Reviews)
   • MOVIE REVIEWS - (Films/Reviews)
3. Films NOT Reviews
   Narrow search.....search results could include items on:
   • POLYMERS - (Films)
   • MOVIES - (Films)
   • but not...
     • Film reviews - (Films/reviews)
     • Auditing - (Reviews)