Module 6-Part A

Boolean Operators

Once students have isolated subject concepts and chosen their search terms, they must relate these terms to each other and create a search statement telling the database how the concepts are related. Students are bale to do this by inserting logical operators between the concept terms they have devised. There are three logical operators used in online searching: AND, OR and NOT. These are the "Boolean Operators.” Moreover, Boolean Logic is one of the ways you "talk to the database.”

The AND operator is used to combine two or more concepts. This requires the database to locate articles containing a combination of several different ideas. The OR operator is used for synonymous terms. This tells the database that any of the search terms can be used interchangeably. The NOT operator excludes or eliminates a particular term from the search. However, this operator is rarely used. Most importantly, it is also possible to perform Boolean searches in which more than one Boolean Operator is used.

Here are some examples:
AND: Exercise and health, running and health
OR: Health or wellness
NOT: Exercise not horseback riding