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Library Research Tips- Boolean Operators: Home

Boolean Operators

Boolean operators are used to connect search words together to help you narrow or broaden your search. There are three operators used in Boolean searching: AND, OR, and, NOT. 

Click on each of the words below to learn more about how to use them:
AND
OR

NOT 

Boolean Operators- An Introduction Video From McMaster Libraries

What is the Boolean search method?

Boolean search uses specific "connectors" or "operators" to help you narrow or broaden your search. It can help you get rid of irrelevant results or increase the number of relevant results. It's especially useful when searching databases, but it can also be used in FoxHunt or Google to help you in your searches! 


The Boolean search method comes from George Boole, an English philosopher and mathematician who designed a system of logic to create better search results. From him we derived Boolean logic and the Boolean operators. 

 

Image courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica. 

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