Boolean operators
A method of combining search terms by expressing the relationship of one concept to another generally using ‘and’, ‘or’, ‘not’. The expression “Value 1 and Value 2″ requires both values to be in the grouping retrieved; “Value 1 or Value 2″ will retrieve either of the values; “Value 1 but not Value 2″ will retrieve only Value 1 items with no mention of Value 2.
For example, searching “gone and wind” would pick up the title Gone with the Wind as well as Margaret Mitchell of Atlanta, the Author of Gone with the Wind“; “gone or wind” would pick up the above titles plus Going, Going, Gone; Wind and Beyond; Wind in the Willows; The Parade’s Gone By; and Watching the Wind.
Truncation
When doing a search in a library catalog, using the base of a word followed by a * will allow the search to bring up any forms of the word not just the direct word. Such as if you use search* instead of search your results will include searching searched searches etc.
Concept Map
a type of diagram which shows various relationships between concepts
A concept map can reveal patterns and relationships between the concepts.
Searching
Examining carefully or thoroughly, To make a thorough examination of; look over carefully in order to find something; explore.
Browsing
To glance at random through a book, magazine, etc.
To look leisurely, as in a store or library
SOURCES:
Boise State University, http://library.boisestate.edu/reference/bbrin/jargon.htm, “Library Jargon Defined or What Does THAT Mean????” 2006.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary. MICRA, Inc. 17 Sep. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/browsing>.
