When searching for information, there are a number of techniques to use that will help refine your search results. You can use these strategies when looking for information from the library databases or from a search engine such as Google.
Put quotation marks " " around phrases to search the term as a phrase. Otherwise the database or Google may separate the words.
"climate change" "fossil fuels" "carbon dioxide" "solar power"
Refine your search results using Boolean operators. The three most common Boolean operators are AND, OR, and NOT, but there are others available. The operators AND and NOT will narrow your search and OR will usually increase your search results.
"carbon dioxide" AND "climate change"
“human genetics" AND "ethical aspects"
"bioengineered foods" AND risks
"genetically modified organisms" OR GMO
benefits OR risks
"renewable energy" OR "sustainable energy"
"climate change" NOT Antarctica
"carbon dioxide" AND "climate change" AND (laws OR regulations)
