Search Library Databases Effectively: Phrase Searching

When searching library databases, it is important to know that different databases may interpret your search differently.

• Some databases, not all, assume that if two words are typed together, they should be searched as a phrase.
• While some databases automatically connect two words with AND.
• When you search by keywords and connect your words with Boolean AND, the results will include all the words you type, but not necessarily together and in that order.

As a result, you may get some articles that are not relevant. How do you avoid this?

• When you insert quotes around your search terms, you force the database to search your words as a phrase. Your results will include your words in exactly the order you typed them.