Q. How do I search using Google?

The following keyword search tips can be used to refine your search strategies in search engines such as Google:

AND: (not required)

• Google will automatically search multiple terms using AND. As such, you do not need to use the term AND.
• Example: counseling trauma = counseling AND trauma

OR: ( | ) 

• If you want Google to search for terms containing one of several words in your search string, use OR (in all caps) or the pipe (|) symbol.
• Example:
  • (1) trauma OR PTSD
  • (2) trauma | PTSD

NOT: ( - ) 

• If you want Google to omit a term/concept from your search, use the minus symbol.
• Example: trauma -brain = trauma but not traumatic brain injuries

(Parentheses): 

• Parentheses can be used to organize (or nest) your keywords into similar concepts by using OR.
• Example: (counseling OR therapy OR modality OR intervention) (trauma OR PTSD)  

"Phrase Searching": 

• Use quotes around search words to search for an exact phrase.
• Example:  "borderline personality disorder"

Truncation:

• Google will automatically truncate your search terms to include varying word endings and suffixes.
• Example: diet = diets OR dietary OR dieting

site: 

• This term will restrict your search to a specific (1) top level domain; (2) organization/institution or (3) country.
• Example:
  • (1) site:.org = (top level domain)
  • (2) site:.site:www.hc-sc.gc.ca = (specific organization/institution) 
  • (3) site:.ca = (specific country)

filetype: 

• This command will restrict your search to a specific file type.
• Example:
  • (1) filetype:.pdf = searches PDF files
  • (2) filetype:doc OR filetype:docx OR filetype:rtf OR filetype:odt = searches rich text format
  • (3) filetype:ppt OR filetype:pps OR filetype:pptx OR filetype:odp = searches presentation files
  • (4) filetype:xlsx OR filetype:xls OR filetype:ods = searches spreadsheets
  • (5) filetype:csv OR filetype:txt = searches raw text data

Define: 

• This command will search for a definition of a term. If you use this command with a colon the search will be restricted to a list of definitions for the term. If the command is used without a colon the search will include both definitions and related pages.
• Example
  • (1) define:"brief therapy"
  • (2) define "brief therapy"

Related:

• This command will search for resources related to a particular search result.
• Example: related:www.cadth.ca

Still not finding what you need? Request a training session to learn more about refining your search strategies, using specific databases, and/or managing your search results.