Re: [IUG] Boolean puzzle

["Boggs, John" <boggs at plsinfo dot org>]

Actually, these searches aren't identical, though I would expect the numbers to be reversed on them.

On one search you have "Home library EQ 3dg" and the other is "Home library starts with 3dg."  Also, one is "current checkouts greater than 0" and the other is "...greater than or equal to zero."

John D. Boggs, PLAN Database Manager
Peninsula Library System
2471 Flores Street
San Mateo, CA  94403-2273
(650)571-6799 x3062
boggs at plsinfo dot org

-----Original Message-----
From: innopac-bounces at innopacusers dot org [mailto:innopac-bounces at innopacusers dot org] On Behalf Of Edith Fuller
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 3:59 PM
To: innopac at innopacusers dot org
Subject: [IUG] Boolean puzzle


We’ve got a Boolean conundrum that defies explanation.  In Create
Lists, does the order in which search elements are entered in Via have
an effect on the search outcome?

In two examples below where we’re looking for 12th grade students in
a particular high school who have at least one item checked out and owe
money, the search elements are the same, just given in different order:


PATRON Home Library equal to “3dg” AND PATRON Money Owed greater
than or equal to “0.10” AND PATRON Current Checkouts greater than
“0” AND PATRON Patron Type equal to “12”
Search returns 251 hits

PATRON Patron type equal to “12” AND PATRON Home Library starts
with “3dg” AND PATRON Current Checkouts greater than or equal to
“0” AND PATRON Money Owed greater than or equal to ”0.10”
Search returns  230 hits.


Thanks for any clarity you can shed in this.


Edith Fuller
Librarian, Professional Library, Portland Public Schools

--
This message was distributed through the Innovative Users Group INNOPAC list
Public replies:  INNOPAC at innopacusers dot org
Update your subscription options: http://innopacusers.org/mailman/listinfo/innopac