In order to find information on a particular topic in a library or on the World Wide Web, you need to use some type of computerized system for searching - a search engine, an online catalog or a database. In order to SUCCESSFULLY use any of these methods for accessing information, you need to understand how the computer system is combining the words which you type. The logic that it uses to combine these words is called Boolean Logic. Once you understand the basics of Boolean Logic, you can use search engines, databases and online catalogs much more efficiently.

The first part of this tutorial will show you the basics of Boolean Logic using diagrams for illustration. The second part will show you specific examples of how to use Boolean Logic in library databases, World Wide Web search engines and library catalogs. After using this tutorial, you will be better equipped to conquer the world of electronic databases and search engines.

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