User:Iluvhistory66/Sandbox/Wiki Help Search Tips

Wiki Help Browsing the Wiki  Searching

=Page Overview=
 * The FamilySearch Research Wiki uses the Search Box found on each page to access the Wiki pages using different key words, key phrases, and search strings. This Help:Searching page shows how to get the best search results when looking for information on the Wiki. This page shows what keywords and search strings bring the best results for positive experiences when searching for available research resources.

= The Search Box =

=Basic Searches=

Topic Search
=Advance Searches=

Boolean Search

 * Boolean searching is an advanced and important tool that can be used when searching catalogs, indexes, online databases, and other websites. The Boolean search method uses a combination of words, modifiers, symbols, and phrases to better define searches.

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 * List of Boolean Operators and Modifiers:
 * AND Use AND between two words, this searches for articles that contain both "word1" AND "word2"
 * OR Use OR between two words, this searches for articles that contain either "word1" OR "word2"
 * NOT Use NOT to exclude words, place NOT between two words searches for articles containing "word1" but NOT "word2"
 * PARENTHESIS  Use around a group of words to give priority above other elements of the search
 * ASTERISK * Use in the middle or end of a word when exact spelling is not known
 * QUOTATION MARKS "" Use this type of search when you need to find an article that includes the exact phrase

Category Search

 * There are two ways to conduct a category search.