Boolean Operators

Boolean operators – the words “AND, OR, and NOT” – are tools you can use to narrow or broaden your search results when searching for articles in library databases.

The word AND links search terms to make your database search more specific, with fewer results. If you combine your search terms with the Boolean operator AND, you are telling the database to display articles with all your search terms, not just one or the other.

The Boolean operator OR allows you to search for a concept using synonyms. Using the word OR broadens your search and delivers more results, because you are directing the database to return results with either of your search terms.

Use the Boolean operator NOT to eliminate specific words or terms from your results. The word NOT limits your search, and delivers fewer results from your database search.

For more help with finding research articles or for more videos visit our website at www.lib.ncsu.edu/tutorials.

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Anne Burke: Scripting
Alison Edwards: Scripting
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Tim Mensa: Narration
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Darrien D. Bailey: Scripting, Storyboarding, Animation, Audio Editing