Using Advanced Search Techniques & Boolean Operators in ProSearch

In ProSearch you can use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and other advance search techniques for more relevant results than a simple keyword search. The table below lists the different techniques and how you can use them in your search.

Want to Search Description Example Search Results Will Include
Case sensitive Terms are not case sensitive, can type the in upper or lower case letters BRAIN brain [search results will be identical]
Wildcard * Asterisk is used for zero of more characters, including numbers, letters, and punctuation. Can be used at beginning or end of terms. neurolog* neurology, neurological, and neurologists
Wildcard ? Question mark is used for exactly one character DO? 3-letter words or acronyms that begin with DO, like DOE, DOA, DOI, DOG, DON, or DOT.
Exact Phrase Use double quotation marks around terms "vitamin a" [this exact phrase]
Multiple terms If you only enter terms and no Boolean operator, AND is assumed (all terms must be present) brain stem from brain to brain stem to stem cells
Boolean Operators Use AND, OR, or NOT
  • AND = all terms must be present
  • OR = either term present
  • NOT = without term present)
 neoplasms OR cancer both terms together or separate
Parentheses Use to group terms when using OR as well as AND, NOT ((blood AND pressure) OR "blood pressure") NOT (hypertension OR "high blood pressure") blood, pressure, and blood pressure, but excludes hypertension and high blood pressure.

If you have any questions, contact the Instructional Technologies Librarian, sandra.yates@exch.library.tmc.edu

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