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green rule
Boolean Operators: Differing interpretations

If you do not use boolean operators to connect your search terms, databases may be set up to make assumptions about your search statement.

For instance, when you enter search terms without using a connector, such as:
 

be aware that the database may be set up to do one of three things. 
 

#1 Search for records containing all three terms
ozone layer depletion
ozone and layer and depletion
This is called "implied AND"
#2 Search for items containing any of the terms
ozone layer depletion
ozone or layer or depletion
This is called "implied OR" and is often employed by Web search engines.  This may retrieve thousands of irrelevant records.
#3 Search for a phrase (i.e. 2 or more adjacent words that occur in an exact order)
ozone layer depletion
"ozone layer depletion"
The use of AND or OR as a connector can have a significant effect on the results of your search. If you are unsure how a database will interpret your search, consult the database's HELP pages.

green rule
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Adapted with permission from Oasis, San Francisco State University http://oasis.sfsu.edu

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