Searches are not case sensitive. Typing fiction is the same as FICTION or Fiction.  All searches are accent insensitive as well.  Accent sensitivity relates to Latin characters like õ.
 

You can search for word variations by using an asterisk (*) as a wild card character. For example: Typing ship* will also find ships, Shipman, shipbuilding etc.
 

To make sure that a specific word is always included in your search topic, place the plus (+) symbol before the key word in the search box. To make sure that a specific word is always excluded from your search topic, place a minus (-) sign before the keyword in the search box.
examples:
To search for any books containing Disney characters simply enter: disney
To search for any Disney book except for ones containing Pluto, type: disney -Pluto.
To search for specific Disney books, for example containing Mickey Mouse, type disney mickey mouse
 

You may also refine your search by choosing the All or Any words in the drop down menu of the search box.
 

If you're searching by an Author, start out by searching for the author's last name only, then refine your search.