Using The MLA International Bibliography Thesaurus

The MLA International Bibliography uses what is known as a "loosely controlled" indexing vocabulary. This means that an index term can be used as a descriptor, even if that term has not yet been fully described in the Thesaurus.

The Thesaurus to the MLA International Bibliography on SilverPlatter (available with this database) does not include every descriptor used in every record. However, not all terms in the Thesaurus will include the complete range of broader, narrower, and related terms appropriate to that descriptor.

You can use the Thesaurus as a guide to suggest preferred terms, related terms, and synonyms for many descriptors. A plus sign (+) in front of a narrower term means that it also has narrower terms.