1. Use wildcard symbols (*, &, /) to broaden or narrow your searches
Using "*" at the end of a partial word will find variations on the word ending.
[Example: in the library database, in the subject/title field, "adol*" will find records containing adolescent and/or adolescents]
Use "&" when you need AND in order to combine words or phrases.
[Example: in the treatment database, in the Keyword field, "substance abuse & women" will find records containing all three words]
Use "/" when you need OR.
[Example: in the organizations database, in the City field, "Vancouver / Halifax" will find records located in Vancouver or Halifax]
2. The more search criteria used, the more specific the search results.
You can combine words or phrases that you enter in a blank field along with a term chosen from a field(s) with drop down menus.
[Example: in the treatment database, type "methadone" in the Keyword field and choose Ontario from the drop down Province menu to find all records in Ontario that refer to methadone].
3. When you have a choice of searching by year:
> 2000 - will return all results of 2001 to the present
< 2000 - will return all results of 1999 or earlier
= 2000 - will return only results in the year 2000
2000 : 2002 - will return results of 2000, 2001, and 2002