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. |