Google Search Operators Lesson

Do you ‘Google’: Tips for Becoming a Library Superstar

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Lydia Thorne

Search OperatorsA Review

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

Google Search OperatorsRefining Your Search!

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

Summary

You have learned the following Google Search Operators!

*

-:

~

+

..

In-Class Activity: Google Trivia!Are you a Google Library Superstar?

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.