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Expert search

Discover how to perform an expert search, which allows you to combine multiple index labels and search terms in a single string, in WorldShare Record Manager.

Use an expert search to perform a complete search in a single string. An expert search is made up of a combination of index labels and search terms. With the use of Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), you can search through several indexes at once and apply limits at the same time. Expert searches can be performed in the basic search area or the advanced search window.

 Note: When performing an expert search for local holdings records (LHRs), you must enclose search terms in quotation marks to retrieve records with that phrase in any field or subfield (e.g., "EAST - East periodicals").

Perform an expert search

  1. From the Data Type drop-down list, select a data type.
  2. From the Scope drop-down list, select a search scope.
  3. In the Term(s) text field, enter your expert search in this format: [Index label] [Search term(s)].
    • For example: ti: girl dragon tattoo mt:nsr pb=random house
    • When you are performing an expert search with multiple indexes:
      • The Boolean AND is implied. If you are using the Boolean operators OR or NOT, you must type the operator and use capital letters.
      • You can search using the following French Boolean operators: ET (AND), OU (OR), SAUF (NOT)
         Note: These operators must be entered in all uppercase letters to be considered Boolean operators.
    • For a list of available bibliographic, local bibliographic data, and local holdings record files and indexes, see Searching WorldCat Indexes.
    • For a list of available authority files and indexes, see Record Manager: Authorities Guide.
  4. Click Search.

Watch a video

Searching WorldCat: Expert searching

Run time: 10:38

This video shows how to perform an expert search in WorldShare Record Manager. It also briefly discusses how to get help constructing a search by using Searching WorldCat Indexes.