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TCID 2090: Tech Writing & Presentation

Refining Google Searches

There are a number of helpful functions that you can use to limit or expand your search results using Google. Here are a couple of commonly used functions you can use to refine your Google searches:

  • AND: a search limiter used to include results only containing both keywords
  • OR: a search expander used to include results containing either keyword
  • - : a search limiter used to exclude search results including a particular keyword or phrase
  • " " : a search limiter used to only include results containing an exact word order or phrase

 

For more information on refining your Google searches, visit this link for a guide on symbols and words to include in your searches: 

Using Google Advanced Search

When searching information on the open web, consider using Google Advanced Search to retrieve the most relevant search results. 

Searching in Google Scholar

Search the more academic side of Google! Google Scholar can find journal articles, books, government reports, technical papers, etc. Make sure to read the record carefully so that you know what type of source you have found.

 

Do not pay for you find on Google Scholar.

If you are off campus follow these steps in Google Scholar to access any content the library owns:

  1. On the opening screen of Google Scholar select three lines in the upper-left hand corner then click Settings.
  2. Click on Library Links in the left hand menu and search for [University of Colorado at Colorado Springs].
  3. Check the box next to UCCS and click Save.