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SoBE: Management Research Guide (CoBET)

Find NU Library resources to help you with research in management.

Reference Databases

Database Search Tips

To maximize your time and effectiveness in the research process, take advantage of some of the following search techniques that can be applied to many databases, including article databases, the library catalog, and commercial search engines.


Boolean Operators


Boolean searching involves connecting terms and concepts using the words AND, OR, and NOT in order to narrow or expand your search.

  • Use AND to connect different main concepts in your research question/topic and refine your search results (internet AND bullying).
  • Use OR to connect like terms or synonyms to expand your search results ("artificial intelligence" OR AI).
  • Use NOT to remove unwanted terms from your search results (biology NOT marine).

Boolean Operators: Using Connectors to Refine Your Search - the image illustrates the use of AND, OR, and NOT as noted in the previous text.