Boolean Searches and Truncation or Wildcarding
The default operator is AND, and all searches will return as though they were ANDed. Boolean searches using OR and NOT will not return appropriate results.
You also cannot use asterisks as a wildcard or truncation character.
Search Tips
- Keep searches simple and specific. For example, to find a Washboard band, you only need to enter: washboard.
- Use the Quick Search to enter some keywords and then refine your results using facets of the left side of the results page.
- Try double-checking your spelling before giving up a search.
Quick Search Tips
- When using Quick Search, word order, case and punctuation are not important. For example, Nelson Mandela may be entered: mandela nelson
- You can enter more than one term in the quick search box. For instance, if you wish to find items featuring either the piano or harmonica, enter: piano harmonica
Advanced Search Tips
- When using the Advanced Search interface, try to use the most appropriate term box for your search.
- When using Advanced Search, case and punctuation do not matter, but subject and person searches containing multiple words will return better results if entered in the order you would expect to see them. For example, a subject search on civil rights will return better results than rights civil.
- After you’ve entered your terms in the Advanced Search form, the result counter at the top of the page will verify that there are results available for your search.
Facets
- After you’ve run your search, use the facet sidebar (left side of search results) to refine your results further.
