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Search Techniques
Search engines look different but use the same principles of Boolean
searching. You can construct both broad and narrow searches depending on how you enter and
combine terms. You can search by phrases and find all the forms of a word by using
truncation.
Boolean Search Operators
AND
- Using AND between two terms means that both terms must be
present in the document to retrieve it.
- AND limits the number of items retrieved.
- Search Examples: king AND dream
cats AND dogs
OR
- Using OR between two terms means that either term can be
present in the document.
- OR expands the number of items retrieved.
- OR is the default used by many Web search tools.
- Search Example: cats OR dogs
NOT
- Using NOT between two terms means that one term must be
present and the second term must not be present in the document.
- NOT limits the number of items retrieved.
- Search Example: mouse NOT rodent
Combining Searches
- You can combine different Boolean operators to create
different kinds of searches.
- You will most often want to combine searches to limit the
number of responses you retrieve.
- Search Example: king AND dream NOT burger
Phrase Seaching
- Greatly limits the number of responses you will retrieve.
- In most search engines, quotations marks "define the
phrase".
- Retrieves a series of words in the exact order you type them.
- Search Example: "chinese food"
Truncation
- Truncation expands the number of responses.
- Usually an * (asterisk) at the end of a word or part of a word
will retrieve all forms of the word.
- Search Examples: librar* Retrieves:
library, libraries, librarians, librarianship
bird* Retrieves: bird, birding, birdhouse, birdfeeder
 Check
out Boolean Searching on the Internet http://library.albany.edu/internet/boolean.html
for in-depth information on search techniques.
Popular Search Engines
Search Tips
- Brainstorm keywords prior to conducting your search.
- As a general rule, enclose phrases in quotes (ex. "snow
leopard").
- Capitalize the first letter of proper names, place names or
organizations. (ex. George W. Bush)
- Start with a directory if you are searching a broad subject
area or haven't decided on a specific topic yet.
- Investigate the search tool's Help for search tips.
- Try more than one search tool.
Check out the Internet III tutorial
for more search strategies and tips and Search Engine Watch http://www.searchenginewatch.com/ for
information on advanced searching and how search engines work.
Test your new-found knowledge with the Internet II Exercise!
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