Using Truncation to Search
K-4
Keyword Searching Shortcuts
There are two shortcuts in keyword searching that may help you save time. They are "truncation" and "wildcards."
Be sure to check the Help section of the database or search engine you are using to see if these options are available. Some search engines let you use truncation, while others also let you put wildcards in the middle of words.
Truncation
To truncate means "to cut off." This tool is used to "cut off" word endings in order to find related words with different endings.
The symbol usually used is the asterisk (*).For instance, information on children might be found by searching for "child" use"
child's play, childbirth, childhood, childish, childlike, childproof.
Or search for:
whalebone, whaler, whaling, whale.
