Boolean Operators (Connectors)

Boolean operators are used in keyword searches to link together two or more terms. The most commonly-used connectors are: AND and OR.

AND narrows a search; you get fewer records, because all words searched must be present in the records found--see the colored area below. Use AND to combine different concepts in one search.

OR broadens a search; you get more records because one or more of the words searched will be found within the records. OR is often used to link together related concepts.