What are Boolean operators?
Answer
Boolean Operators are words you can use to build a specific and effective search for finding research. The words AND, OR, and NOT are all considered Boolean Operators. You'll find several examples below and you can always contact a librarian if you want to learn more about how to use them in your research.
- AND: Narrows your search and retrieves results that include both terms you are searching.
- I.e., birds AND "wind farms"
- OR: Broadens your search and retrieves items that include both terms.
- I.e., birds OR raptors
- NOT: Narrows your search and excludes items with a certain term.
- I.e., birds NOT raptors