Searching ATLA Religion Database

The database opens on to the Advanced Search screen, which allows you to perform both single term searches and combined term searches.

Single Term Search: For a single term search, simply type your search term into one of the search boxes. For a keyword search of all the possible fields, leave the dropdown box to the right of the search term box as "Select a Field (optional)." If you want specify your search for a specific field (for example, you only want to search in the "Author" field) use the dropdown box to the right of the search term box to select the field you want to search. When you are ready to search, select the Search button.
Combined Term Search: For a combined term search, fill in more than one search term box with the terms you want to combine, use the dropdown box next to each term box to select the field to search for each term, and combine your search terms using the Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) that connect each line of search boxes.
The Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) work as follows:
- AND searching means that terms on either side of the AND must both be in the record for it to be retrieved. Using AND narrows your search.
- OR searching means that at least one or more of the selected terms on either side of the OR must be in the record, but all the terms don't have to be, for a record to be retrieved. Using OR broadens your search.
- NOT searching means that the selected term after the NOT must not be in the record; if the term is in the record, the record will not be retrieved.

Examples

If you wanted to do a general keyword search on the term "trinity", you would proceed as follows:

If you wanted to find works by author Bernard McGinn on the topic of women and mysticism, you would proceed as follows:

Type in mcginn in the first search box and select "AU Author" from the dropdown list.
Use the Boolean operator AND to combine with the second search term.
Type in women in the second search box and select "SU Subjects" from the dropdown list.
Use the Boolean operator AND to combine with the third search term.
Type in mysticism in the third search box and select "SU Subjects" from the dropdown list.
Select the "Search" button.

If you wanted to find works on either process theology or process philosophy, you would proceed as follows:

Type in process theology in the first search box and select "SU Subjects" from the dropdown list.
Use the Boolean operator OR to combine with the second search term.
Type in process philosophy in the second search box and select "SU Subjects" from the dropdown list.
Select the "Search" button.