"How to Create a Boolean Search" Before describing how to orchestrate such a search, please know that not every search engine accepts the Boolean method. Many researchers will be happy to know that Google.com does cooperate with it. Some newspapers' search engines don't identify their method as Boolean, but offer you drop down menu choices that utilize Boolean choices. Here's my best simplification, that I test drove. First of all, a Boolean search uses something called "operators," a lot like the old Ma Bell. Operators are simply key words which tell the search engine more, so that we eliminate unwanted results, or "hits." The primary, most universally used operator words are AND, OR and NOT, all expressed in CAPS as shown above. Example 1: I want to search for my Walter BURKE, not the Royal version better known as "Sir Walter Burke." This is an especially good example for sear ching newspapers, as hey, I want my ancestor not some well known English royal. Thus, the Boolean search term I would enter is: "Walter Burke NOT Sir Walter Burke" Google.com does accept Boolean searching. Example 2: on Google: The straight Vertical line, the “|” symbol, is treated as if it was an OR operator. Example: So entering : “New York” OR university OR college will bring up the same results as “New York"| university | college Personally, Ilove the book"Google Your Family Tree," as it includes such advice. Last point, if you are unsure how to phrase and punctuate your search term, for a search engine that accepts the Boolean method, try out your ideas on this line. PRACTICE WITH THE BOOLIFY GAME> http://boolify.org/index.php NEXT TO POST: Wild card Searching SEARCHING: Naturalizations at NYC NARA I hope this is helpful to all and to all, a good night! Happy O'Holidays, Barb Metro NYC Researcher ============================================ > [email protected] writes: > > Hello All, > > > > I recommend using Boolean as a search type … this will allow you to > filter > > out many unwanted returns especially due to the large number of pages on > > > this site… > > > > Please read the help and FAQ section on how to use it..its very > powerfull > > if you understand how to use it > > > > Tom Tryniski >