Answered By: Mary Ann Cullen
Last Updated: Jul 14, 2025     Views: 1075

Boolean operators are words used to connect search terms (keywords) to improve your database search results. 

The most commonly used Boolean operators are AND, OR, and NOT.  

AND - search results will contain both search terms

Venn diagram showing "AND" Boolean operator

OR - search results will contain one or both search terms 

Venn diagram showing "OR" Boolean operator

NOT - search results will contain the first search term but will not include the term following NOT. 

  

To learn more about Boolean operators, try this Boolean Operator Video from University of Alabama Libraries. 

 

For more help, ask a librarian.

 

updated 6/29/2020 kas