Search Basics
To enter a query, type in a few descriptive words and
click the Submit button
for a list of relevant web pages.
Since searches only returns web pages
that contain all the words in your query, refining or narrowing
your search is as simple as adding more words to the search terms you
have already entered. Your new query will return a smaller subset of
the pages found for your original "too-broad" query.
Choosing Keywords
For best results, it's important to choose your keywords wisely. Keep these tips in mind:
- Try the obvious first. If you're looking for information on Frank Galati, enter "Frank Galati" rather than "actors".
- Use words likely to appear on the site related to the information you want. "seating chart" gets better results than "places to sit".
- Make keywords as specific as possible. For example, "antique lead soldiers" would get more relevant results than "old metal toys".
Automatic "and" Queries
By default, searches only returns pages that include all of your search terms. There is no need to include "and"
between terms. Keep in mind that the order in which the terms are typed will affect the search results.
To restrict a search further, just include more terms. For example, to directions and parking information, simply type:
Automatic Exclusion of Common Words
Searches ignores common words and characters such as "the", "where" and "how", as well as certain single
digits and single letters, because they tend to slow down your search without improving the results.
Search results will indicate if a common word has been excluded by displaying details below the search box.
If a common word is essential to getting the results you want, you can include it by putting a "+" sign
in front of it. (Be sure to include a space before the "+" sign.)
Another method for doing this is conducting a phrase search, which means putting quotation marks around two
or more words. Common words in a phrase search (e.g., "where are you") are included in the search.
For example, to search for Waiting For The Parade, use:
Capitalization
Searches are NOT case sensitive.
All letters, regardless of how you type them, will be understood as lower case. For example, searches for
"martha lavey", "Martha Lavey", and "MaRtHa LaVeY" will all return the same results.
Word Variations (Stemming)
To provide the most accurate results, searches do not use "stemming" or support "wildcard" searches.
In other words, searches are made for exactly the words that you enter in the search box. Searching for
"play" or "play*" will not yield "plays" or "playwright".
If in doubt, try both forms: "play" and "plays," for instance.