Library Catalog Library Databases Library Locations CML Homepage
CML Homepage
You are here: Central Ohio Organizations Index - Search Tips   
Grey Line

Central Ohio Organizations Index Search Tips
What am I searching?
When searching the Central Ohio Organizations Index, you are searching a collection of central Ohio organizations that librarians have gathered. These organizations have been assigned subjects which you can browse or search.

Refining Your Search:
The keyword search option allows for advanced boolean, wildcard and phrase searching. Queries search subjects that librarians assigned to each listing and organization name.

Boolean Searches: Using AND, OR, and NOT will allow you to find more specific information.

AND Searches for organizations that reference both words. For example: Business AND Women.
OR Searches for organizations that reference either word. For example: Cats OR Dogs.
NOT Searches for organizations that do not reference the second word. For example: Historical NOT Genealogical.

Searching for Phrases:
"Quotation Marks" Placing quotation marks around words will search for those words as a phrase.

Using Wildcards: If you are not sure of the exact spelling of a word, or you are looking for root words, wildcard operators are useful.
* The asterisk is a substitute for any number of characters. For example, 'light*' will find light, lighthouse, etc.
? The question mark is a substitute for one character. For example, '?ar' will find both war and car, but not star.

What if I get too many results?
  1. Try combining search terms with 'and.' Using 'and' will result only in organizations where both search terms are found.
  2. Try using 'not'. This will help eliminate certain keywords from your search results.
What if I get too few results?
  1. Check your spelling.
  2. Did you use 'and' to combine search terms? Try using 'or' instead.
  3. Did you use a plural search term? Try using the singular term instead.
  4. Try browsing subjects or names, instead of searching for organizations.

Do you still have questions?
Ask a librarian! Call the Biography, History and Travel Division at 614-645-2ASK(2275), or stop by an information desk today and a librarian will be happy to assist!
Columbus Metropolitan Library       96 S. Grant Ave.        Columbus, OH 43215        614 645-2ASK (2275)
Comments or suggestions? Contact us

Information on this site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions.

Privacy Statement