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How to Use Boolean Operators @ The Libraries

There are three Boolean Operators:  OR, AND, and NOT.  These can be used to combine terms and help you broaden or narrow your search.  For more information on building search strategies, click here.

 

OR  --  Any one of the terms are present, although more than one may be present.

 

Example:  apples OR oranges

 

Apples or Oranges Venn Diagram

 

 

Example:  apples OR oranges OR peaches

 

Apples or Oranges or Peaches Venn Diagram

 

AND --  All terms are present.

 

Example:  computers AND education

 

Computers and Education Venn Diagram

 

Example:  computers AND education AND internet

 

 

Computer and Education and Internet Venn Diagram

 

 

NOT --  The first term but not the second is present.

 

Example:  parishes NOT louisiana

 

Parishes not Louisiana Venn Diagram

To ask a librarian about Boolean operators, you can:
stop by the Reference Desk in the University Library, call 742-2236
or (toll free) 1-888-270-3369, or email/chat via Ask a Librarianonline service.


 
TTU Libraries are not responsible for the content of external sources. For questions about this page, contact Jon Hufford, Coordinator for Information Literacy.
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This page last modified on 17 Oct 2006, 13:52.


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