When searching databases use these tricks to help you get more accurate and relevant results.
Use the following techniques to help the search for sources:
| Operator | When to use | Example | Results |
| AND | Sources that contain both terms | Wilson AND "The Piano Lesson" | Results with both the words Wilson and "The Piano Lesson" |
| OR | Sources that contain one of multiple search terms | alienation OR loneliness | Results with either alienation or loneliness. Good for like terms or synonyms. |
| NOT | Sources that do not include the term listed | "The Piano Lesson" NOT reviews | Excludes results that include the term reviews. We need analysis not someone's opinion about whether or not they liked the story. |
| " " | Sources with the exact term or phrase | "The Piano Lesson" | Results that include the exact phrase "The Piano Lesson." |
| * | Finds variations of the stem | alienat* | Results that include any variation of the terms entered. Ex: alienation, alienate |
| ( ) | Group words together when combining more than one operator | Wilson AND "The Piano Lesson" AND (alienation OR loneliness) | Results that include both the terms Wilson and "The Piano Lesson with either alienation or loneliness. |
