OneSearch at GCC

Search tools

Databases and other search engines (including Google Scholar) use algorithms and logic to match your search keywords to existing sources (e.g. books and journal articles). A good search strategy saves you time and yields better results to meet your information needs. 

See also: Setting up a Nested Search

Using Modifiers

Online Research: Tips for Effective Search Strategies

Online Research: Tips for Effective Search Strategies Sarah Clark CC BY-NC-ND

To use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) within search phrases, you must enter them in uppercase letters. Otherwise, OneSearch removes them and performs a simple search that includes all search phrases.

The OR operator broadens your search results by retrieving records that contain either or both of your search terms or concepts.

• Usually, terms within a concept are combined using the Boolean OR operator

The AND operator narrows the search results by retrieving records that contain both of your search terms or concepts.

• Usually, different concepts are combined using the Boolean AND operator

The NOT operator narrows the search results by eliminating a specific search term. 

• Use the NOT operator with caution.  It can eliminate relevant results that happen to mention the term you are "noting" out.

source text  https://hslmcmaster.libguides.com/srm