Search Saga: Guides

This is my guide. He knows stuff.

  

Usually, to preform an online search, the user will type in a search term and move on. However, many databases include the opportunity to perform a Boolean Search. If you have never heard of a Boolean  Search, do not worry. I did not know of them until I started my Master's Degree. However, most users have experienced the tools for performing a Boolean Search, usually when selecting the "Advanced" option of a database or search engine. The selection will lead to a table offering a textbox, as well as three additional boxes labeled "AND", "OR", and "NOT". 

AND does not actually mean "and." "With" would be a better description. When a search uses "AND," it only finds items with both terms. For example, if a user typed "fox" AND "wolf", the search would not include items about foxes if they did not also mention wolves as well. AND is useful if a searcher needs to find something specific about a concept with multiple meanings (i.e. "cry" or "face") or needs to narrow the search.

OR: Actually means "and" (no, I do not think they could have made this more confusing if they tried). Following the previous example, typing in "fox" OR "wolf" will include items pertaining to foxes, wolves, and foxes and wolves. If the user needs to find lots of information, the OR option offers a means of doing so.

NOT: Probably the easiest to explain. NOT eliminates all items with a given term. It needs to be used with caution, since any reference to the term will be eliminated from the search. Still, NOT prevents users from drowning in over-information by cutting unnecessary items.

Sometimes, sites will use variations of the Boolean Search. An Advanced Search in Yahoo!, for example, offers "the exact phrase" (AND), "any of these words" (OR), and "none of these words" (NOT). Understanding the basics of a Boolean Search will allow users to find information with less frustration.