Basic Search Query Structure

Fields

The field of the search query dictates where the entered information is being searched. It is possible to search one field only, or use a mix of fields, combining these with Boolean operators. 

See all available Search Fields in this article.

Use field modifiers for a more pinpointed search, see more information in this article.

Expression

The expression of the search query is comprised of any term(s) within the designated search field(s). The query may also comprise operators, such as Boolean Operators, Proximity Operators, and/or Wildcard Operators.

When using operators and/or creating more complex queries, the use of parentheses is recommended. Standard parentheses ( ) and square brackets [ ] can both be used, however they cannot be used interchangeably.

Allowed:

(boat AND propeller)

[boat AND propeller]

(boat AND [propeller or prop])

Not allowed:

(boat AND propeller]

For guidance about combining operators, visit this article.

For most commands, the field and the expression will be connected by an equal sign ( = ), however, date fields allow for the use of equality signs in addition to the equal sign. In this case, queries may exist with a greater than or less than sign ( > or < ) or they may be combined with an equals sign to represent "greater than or equal to" or "less than or equal to" ( >= or <= ).

In addition, citation commands can be searched with the use of =, e.g. CIT(5) will search for all citations for search set 5.

Fields and expressions are not case sensitive. They may be entered in upper or lower case and Quartet will recognize fields and expressions accordingly.