Using these techniques will help to make a search more effective and efficient. These connectors or operators tell the database how to combine the words in the search.
The most commonly used connectors are the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT, these can be used to combine search terms.
Take a look at the videos on this page to learn more about these techniques and how to use them.
The symbols and operators used can vary between databases. The CEBE Library Team have produced a quick guide and you can also check the Help sections in each database.
Most databases provide options which enable you to limit or refine your search results. The most common limits include:
Wildcards take the place of one or more characters and are used to search for alternate spellings and variations.
The symbols and operators used can vary between databases. The CEBE Library Team have produced a quick guide and you can also check the Help sections in each database.
Advanced Search Symbols and Operators Guide
OR means more!
Using OR will increase the number of results you find.
Use it to combine similar or alternative terms: renewable OR sustainable OR green OR eco-friendly.
Use “quotation marks” to keep words together.
Narrows your search results by allowing you to define precisely how you want the words to appear.
Finds words in the order you typed them into the search box, left to right, directly adjacent to each other: "climate change"
Using a proximity enables you to search for terms within a specified number of words.
Proximity symbols and operators used can vary between databases. The CEBE Library Team have produced a quick guide and you can also check the Help sections in each database.
Advanced Search Symbols and Operators Guide
Using AND will reduce the number of results you find.
Use it to combine different terms: 3d printing AND personal protective equipment.
Using truncation will broaden a search to include various word endings and spellings. This will increase results.
To use, enter the root of a word and put the truncation symbol * at the end: Predict* will find predict, predictive, prediction​
Using NOT will exclude words from a search and is a limiter.
e.g. Renewable energy NOT wind
Football NOT American
Use with caution as it may exclude relevant articles.