Allow you to use root words to search for terms that might have different spellings or endings.
Use the wildcard/truncation symbols (*, **, or ?) to search the catalog for items that include your search term with different variances.
A single asterisk "*" can be placed in a search term to represent up to 5 missing letters, starting where you place the asterisk.
Commun* - search terms may be communion, community, communal, commune, etc.
Colo*r - search terms may be color or colour
Sacrament* - search terms may be sacrament, sacraments, sacramental, etc.
A double asterisk "**" can be placed in a search term to represent an unlimited number of letters, starting where you place the asterisk.
Inter** - search terms may be internal, interreligious, international, intercontinental, etc.
A single question mark "?" can be used to represent a letter that can vary within the search term.
Wom?n - search terms may be woman or women
Wildcards and truncation are search tools available in most databases. However, the symbols used for these tools may be unique to each database. Access the "Help" page provided by the database to see which symbols are used for wildcards and truncation.
Visit the Opal Help page for more information on searching, requesting Opal items, and using your account.