WCU FAQs: Research Help

A Boolean search is when you use research tools called Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT), to  achieve more relevant search results.  A basic explanation of Boolean searching is located in the Research Basics guide.  Generally, the use of “AND” is common, “OR” is useful for searching synonyms, and “NOT” is rarely used (please see examples of each at the link above).  

Boolean searching can also be used when searching in Google and the library’s databases.  When using an EBSCO database, the Boolean operators are built right into the advanced search screen.  EBSCO databases will show multiple search boxes, with "AND" between them.  Put one keyword in each search box and you can change the “AND” to “OR” or “NOT” using the drop-down list.