Database Searching: Using Boolean to Empower Your Search: Boolean + BANC

Where did you first learn about Boolean logic and Boolean operators? 

(If your answer is "Somewhere else", please list where in the Comments at the end of the poll.)

How does Boolean work in the library catalog?  In BANC they can be applied in a couple of different ways. 

• When you go into the Advanced Search you may notice the radio buttons between each of the 3 search boxes.  Surprise!  They are labeled AND, OR, and NOT.
  

 
BANC Advanced Search: Radio Buttons

 Here you can mix and match terminology using synonyms or multiple concepts.  You could use one word three times (once in each box) and select a different category from the drop down menu for each or you could search for different terms in the same category.

• The other way BANC uses Boolean is through two of the three options in the dropdown menu immediately following the search boxes in the Advanced Search, prior to the categories dropdown menu. 
  

Dropdown options: "any of these" (OR), "all of these" (AND), and "as a phrase"

The first two options--"any of these" and "all of these"--translate into the Boolean operators OR and AND, respectively.  Using these choices can allow you to search more terms simultaneously, which can be advantageous when researching complex ideas.

You can build a true power search by combining Boolean elements.  However, if you aren't coming up with any search results in BANC the best options are to cut back on search terms and Boolean operators.