Search Bar
The Search Bar allows for simple searching across ALL searchable fields. Use Modifiers and wildcards to refine your search.
Modifiers and Wildcards
Modifiers and wildcards help refine your search in the search bar as well as some areas of the Advanced Search form.
| Modifier | Description | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AND |
Default modifier. Searches for all terms entered. "AND" can be omitted. |
Calgary AND horse or Calgary horse |
Items containing "Calgary" and "horse" in searchable fields.
|
|
NOT |
Excludes terms. Combine with AND/OR. |
Calgary NOT horse |
Items containing "Calgary" but not "horse." |
|
OR |
Separates terms. Searches for any listed. |
Calgary OR horse |
Items containing "Calgary" or "horse." |
|
() |
Groups terms for advanced searches. Combine with modifiers or wildcards. |
horse AND (Calgary OR Cochrane) |
Items containing "horse" with either "Calgary" or "Cochrane." |
|
"" |
Searches for an exact phrase. |
"University of Calgary" |
Items containing the exact phrase "University of Calgary." |
|
* |
Wildcard for multiple characters. |
build* |
Matches "build," "building," "buildings," etc. |
|
? |
Wildcard for a single character. |
p?ne |
Matches "pine" or "pane |
* while the PDF viewer has a Find in Document function, this currently only supports single term or exact phrase searches
Advanced Search
The Advanced Search form provides options for targeting a search to specific areas like the Title or Subject fields. Some advanced search fields support Modifiers and Wildcards.
Select Advanced Search below the search bar on the main collections home page.
The Advanced Search Form can also be accessed after a Search bar search when the main collection or library portal opens. Select the Advanced Search button from the right end of the search bar.
| Search Area | Description |
|---|---|
|
Document Type |
limit search to selected Document Types |
|
Free text |
Search across ALL searchable fields. This is equivalent to using the search bar. Refine your search using Modifiers and Wildcards. |
|
Keywords |
Select multiple keywords to refine your search. Results will include items matching ANY selected keyword. |
|
Excluded Keywords |
Select keywords to exclude from your search. Results will omit items containing ANY selected keyword. |
|
Identifiers |
Enter specific identifiers (e.g., Unique Identifier, Legacy Identifier, Barcode, Call Number, Reference Code). Separate multiple entries with commas (,). |
|
Title |
Search across ALL Title and French Title fields. Refine your search using Modifiers and Wildcards. Results will include items matching ANY Title field. |
|
Subject |
Select terms from Canadian, Discipline, French, and Library of Congress Subject Headings. Results will include items matching ANY selected term. |
|
Usage Rights |
Select terms to limit results to items that allow ANY selected use. |
|
Format |
Select format or genre terms from Genre, medium, Type, and DCMI Type term lists. Results will include items matching ANY selected term. |
|
Collection |
Search by collection, classification, department, repository, or fonds. Results will include items matching ANY term. |
|
Geography |
Select terms from Continent, Subcontinent, Country, Region, State/Province, City, Municipality, Town, park, place, and location geography lists. Results will include items matching ANY term. |
|
Names |
Select names from lists of individuals, organizations, and groups. Results will include items matching ANY term. |
|
Language |
Results will include items matching ANY term. |
|
Years (Date Range) |
Select millennia or century date ranges to narrow results. Multiple selections will display items matching ANY of the date ranges. |
Need help?
Contact us for tips on constructing your Advanced Search.