What is an Operator?• An operator = a symbol that
modifies the words or numbers around it
• Operators help to tweak, refine, and narrow search (for ex. Boolean operators)
• Using an operator changes your search query (sometimes drastically!)
ANDOR
NOT
Learning Outcome
By the end of this session, students will be able to determine when each Google search operator should be applied in a given situation
Wildcard (*) The asterisk (*) symbol acts as a place holder for
missing words if you only have a partial phrase or title
Ex. [database * systems]
[invit*]
Exclusion (-) The minus (-) symbol excludes any words from your
search that follow the symbol
Works the same way as NOT (Boolean operator)
Ex. [jaguar speed]
[jaguar speed –animal]
Inclusion (+) The plus (+) symbol will include words that follow
the sign in your search results
Ex. [jaguar speed]
[jaguar speed +animal]
Similar Words (~) The tilde (~) symbol includes similar words in your
search results
Ex. [mobile phone]
[~mobile phone]
Number Range (..) The dot-dot (..) symbol can be used to include a
range of numbers in your search
Ex. [academy awards]
[academy awards 1965..1973]
Restrict Keywords (:) A few types:
i) (define:) Finds the word or phrase immediately after the colon in the title
Ex. define:inorganic chemistry define inorganic chemistry
ii) (filetype:) Restrict your search to a specific file type
Ex. IRS tax forms filetype:pdf
Google Trivia Time!
Website https://pollev.com/lydiathorne464
Text messaging Text LYDIATHORNE464 to 37607 once to join
the session, then A, B, C, or D to vote!
Note: Depending on carrier and text message plan, some charges may apply!
References“Creating an Effective Search Strategy.” SNHU: Shapiro Library, 13 July 2015. Web. 20 July 2015.
“Formulating Your Search Strategy: Introduction.” University of Saskatchewan Library, 11 July 2015. Web. 13 July 2015.
“Google Search Tips.” NDSU: North Dakota State University, 29 June 2015. Web. 16 July 2015.
“Google Search Tips: Search Operators.” MIT Libraries, n.d. Web. 22 July 2015.
“Information Literacy @ The Patrick Power Library.” Patrick Power Library, Saint Mary’s University June 2014. Web. 17 July 2015.
“Search Operators.” GoogleGuide, 26 Feb. 2012. Web. 15 July 2015.
“Top Ten Search Modifiers: Why They Matter, What They Are & How to Use Them.” Search Engine Land, 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 20 July 2015.