The order of operations follows mathematical principles:
In database searching, using parentheses, or nesting, combines multiple strategies to build complex search strings. This technique is used to:
This complex search retrieves works that are highly relevant and limited in number.
NESTED SEARCH
Searching: Academic Search Complete
(spotify OR "apple music") | Select a Field (optional) | |
AND | streaming | Select a Field (optional) |
AND | (royalties or licensing) | Select a Field (optional) |
COMPLEX NESTED SEARCH
Searching: Academic Search Complete
(spotify OR "apple music") NOT (pandora OR "iheart radio") | Select a Field (optional) | |
AND | streaming | Select a Field (optional) |
AND | (royalties or licens*) | Select a Field (optional) |
These searches make use of multiple strategies: nesting, phrase searching, Boolean operators and truncation. Control even further by adding limits, field searching (e.g., title or abstract) and/or using Subject search.