District Guide: Research Databases: Internet Searching

What is Boolean Searching

Boolean searching is the traditional way to search for information in most online databases and on the Internet.

To perform a Boolean search, use connectors (called operators) like AND, OR ande NOT.

AND retrieves records that contain ALL of the search terms. For example, cooking AND Spain, business AND ethics.

OR retrieves records that contain ANY of the search terms, but does not necessarily include all of them. For example, theater OR theatre, www OR world wide web.

NOT excludes records containing the second search term. For example, java NOT coffee, Clinton NOT (William OR Bill).

Google Search/Website Evaluation

Evaluate your selection before using:

1. Authority?

An individual? An organization? An educational institution?
What education or experience makes them an expert?

2. Objectivity?

What is the purpose of the site?
Basic information? Persuasion? Selling something?
What is the motive? Beware of bias (especially from .orgs)

3. Currency?

When was the site created? Last updated?
Is this current enough for my research?
Do the links work?

4. Content Quality?

Where does the information come from?
Does the author credit sources or give references?
- References are different than links to “additional information”!

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