Boolean Searching
Applicable to indexed search fields and keyword search fields, including the Power Search field, Boolean Searching is used to search for multiple index entries, words, or phrases in various ways, broadening, narrowing, or limiting your search. Named for 19th century English mathematician George Boole, Boolean Searching provides great flexibility in designing complex search strategies. However, this flexibility can also be confusing. Experimentation is the best way to ensure accurate results.
To conduct a Boolean search, include a Boolean operator in your search. Four Boolean operators can be incorporated into a search: AND, OR, NOT, and NEAR.
Note: In keyword search fields, including the Power Search field, Boolean operators must be typed in ALL CAPS. This is not necessary in indexed search fields.
The OR Operator
Including OR between index entries, words, or phrases broadens a search, retrieving results containing any of the index entries selected or words or phrases typed. For example, typing arts OR culture into the Keyword Search field on the Search Grantmakers Screen will retrieve grantmaker records containing either "arts" or "culture" or both.
Note that when inserting multiple index entries into an indexed search field, or is automatically added to the search field between each index entry. If desired, you can modify the search field to use a different Boolean operator.
The AND Operator
Including AND between index entries, words, or phrases narrows a search, retrieving results containing all of the index entries selected or words or phrases typed. For example, typing arts AND culture into the Keyword Search field on the Search Grantmakers Screen will retrieve grantmaker records containing both "arts" and "culture."
Note that when using multiple search fields in any single search, and is automatically inserted "behind the scenes" between each search field. This can not be modified.
The NOT Operator
Including NOT before an index entry, word, or phrase limits a search, excluding results containing the index entry selected or word or phrase typed after the "not" operator. For example, typing arts NOT culture into the Keyword Search field on the Search Grantmakers Screen will retrieve grantmaker records containing "arts" and exclude grantmaker records containing "culture."
The NEAR Operator
Including NEAR/n between two index entries, words, or phrases narrows an "and" operator search, retrieving results containing both of the index entries selected or words or phrases typed but only if they appear within a specific proximity to one another. The "n" should be a numerical value indicating the maximum number of words that should appear between two index entries, words, or phrases. For example, typing arts NEAR/3 culture into the Keyword Search field on the Search Grantmakers Screen will retrieve grantmaker records containing both "arts" and "culture" but only if they appear no more than three words away from one another.
See the Search Tutorial section for step-by-step examples of searches using Boolean operators.
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