2.3.6 Truncation and wildcards

Most library catalogues and databases allow truncation and wildcards.

Truncation

Truncation is a search strategy that uses a symbol (generally an *) to find items which include any terms starting with the word stem. Be careful where you place the truncation symbol.

Use truncation to broaden your search by picking up plurals and word derivations.

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Wildcards

A wildcard uses a symbol (generally an ?)to replace one unknown character within a word search.

Use wildcards to pick up words that have different American and English spellings.

Note: Check the Help screens of the search tool to determine what symbols are used for truncation and wildcards.

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