Terms and Connectors - Introduction to Traditional Boolean Searching

Boolean searching is the traditional way to search for information in most online services, including the LexisNexis® services. It uses words and connectors to create phrases and concepts based on specific rules of search logic. The computer then searches for documents that contain the specific words and combinations of words in the search request.

For example, to find documents concerning employee drug tests, you might use this search request:

drug w/5 test or screen! w/10 employ!

Use Terms and Connectors (Boolean) searching to retrieve the following types of information:

  • Comprehensive information about an issue or topic, or a person or company
  • Every word or its alternative that appears in each document
  • Specific relationships between your search words
  • Segment-specific searches

NOTE:

Consult the LexisNexis® Research Help for additional information about Terms and Connectors (Boolean) Searching.