Boolean Operators
One of the easiest ways to refine your search is to use the 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. (The AND operator is not necessary in Google; Google automatically adds the AND between words unless a phrase is put in quotation marks.)
The chart below explains differences between the Boolean operators.
|
Boolean operator |
Function |
Example |
|
AND |
· Narrows search result · Finds articles/websites with both terms in them. Terms may not necessarily be next to each other |
"global warming" AND hurricane* (retrieves articles with both terms) |
|
OR |
· Broadens search result · Use to combine similar terms. One or the other search term must appear in the article/website · Put parentheses around your ORs |
"global warming" OR "greenhouse effect" (retrieves articles with either term) |
|
NOT |
· Narrows search result · Use to eliminate terms from search |
"global warming" NOT Antarctica (eliminates articles that have the word Antarctica in them) |
Phrase searching
Most of the databases and search engines will AND the words of a phrase together. If you wish to search the term as a phrase, put quotation marks around it to refine your search.
identity theft = identity AND theft
“identity theft” keeps the words of the phrase together
Truncation
Most databases use the asterisk * to truncate words. For example, child* will search for the words child or child’s or children. Another example is listed below.
develop* = develop + develops + development + developmental
Google automatically looks for the singular and plural of a word.
Combining some of the skills together
Some examples:
(dog OR dogs OR canine*) AND (kennel* OR board*) AND “port huron”
(ipad OR tablet) AND (evaluat* OR review*)
Other Libraries
Summary of what the SCCPL website has to offer:
What's New, Calendar of Events, Hours,Catalogs, S.T.A.R, Library Policies, New Materials, How to Get a Library Card, Community Links, Kids Korner, Information on each library branch, and more...
The Michigan eLibrary provides all Michigan residents with free access to online full-text articles, full-text books, digital images, and other valuable research information at any time via the Internet; and provide an easy-to-use interlibrary loan system to allow Michigan residents to borrow books and other library materials for free from participating Michigan libraries.
All Michigan residents are eligible for a Library of Michigan (LM) library card, which allows access to the Library of Michigan's specialized subscription databases from home. All Michigan residents age 18 and older may apply for a card, fill out the form or visit the library in person.. The Library of Michigan will email you your library card number and password. If you wish to check out physical items at the Library of Michigan in Lansing and receive a physical library card, you will need to present your Michigan driver’s license or state ID card in person at the Library's second-floor reference desk.
WorldCat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide. You can search for popular books, music CDs and videos—all of the physical items you're used to getting from libraries. You can also discover many new kinds of digital content, such as downloadable audiobooks.
Google can be a useful tool when searching. See the "Get More Out of Google Infographic" to learn strategies for becoming an expert "Googler". Many of these tips will also help you in searching SC4's databases for academic materials.
Image: "7 Simple Google Tips To Search Like A Boss." TeachThought, 20 Mar. 2016, https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/7-simple-google-tips-search-like-boss/.
