Search Tips
Tip: What do you already know about the subject? Write down (or think) about what information you already have, and then use the database to find out more information on a certain topic.
Troubleshooting: Looking for something, but no matter how many times you search, you're just not getting any search results? Try writing down every word you can think of that relates to your topic. For example, if you're having trouble finding information on knitting, try these other keywords:
Troubleshooting: Looking for something, but no matter how many times you search, you're just not getting any search results? Try writing down every word you can think of that relates to your topic. For example, if you're having trouble finding information on knitting, try these other keywords:
- Knitting
- Knitters
- Knit
- Patterns
- Cabling
- Cables
- Yarn
- Finger Weaving
- Warp Knitting
- Machine Knitting
Single Vs. Plural Searching
When searching in the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center, your search results results might include both the single and plural versions of your search terms.
When a singular word is searched for, the plural and possessive forms of that word will also be searched. However, if the word is enclosed in quotation marks, plural and possessive forms will not be searched.
When a singular word is searched for, the plural and possessive forms of that word will also be searched. However, if the word is enclosed in quotation marks, plural and possessive forms will not be searched.
Boolean Searching
You can create complex searches that correspond to Boolean operators, including AND, OR, and NOT. You can also simply enter the operators as part of a search in the search box. You can use these operators to create a very broad or very narrow search.
AND: Use the AND operator (it must be in all capital letters) or + to specify that you want all of your search words to appear in the results. knitting AND yarn
OR: Use the OR operator (it must be in all capital letters) to receive search results that contain any one or all of the words in your multiple word query. crocheting OR knitting
NOT: Use the NOT operator (it must be in all capital letters) or - to exclude words from your search results. beadwork NOT glasswork
Boolean Resources
AND: Use the AND operator (it must be in all capital letters) or + to specify that you want all of your search words to appear in the results. knitting AND yarn
OR: Use the OR operator (it must be in all capital letters) to receive search results that contain any one or all of the words in your multiple word query. crocheting OR knitting
NOT: Use the NOT operator (it must be in all capital letters) or - to exclude words from your search results. beadwork NOT glasswork
Boolean Resources
Boolify
Boolify is a free, online game that can help you to practice learning about different Boolean Operators.
Boolify is a free, online game that can help you to practice learning about different Boolean Operators.
Boolean Searching for Kids: AND or OR
Learn about the operators AND or OR in this short video, created for students in Grades 5+.
Learn about the operators AND or OR in this short video, created for students in Grades 5+.
Student Self Evaluation
Having trouble using the database, or want to see how you're doing? Take the following Student Self Evaluation and answer a few simple questions. These might help you target an area of the database or a search skill that you might need to spend some extra time working on!
Click Here for the Student Self Evaluation: https://resources.oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/khuddle/Student%20Self.pdf
Click Here for the Student Self Evaluation: https://resources.oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/khuddle/Student%20Self.pdf