Altbib

Altbib, short for "alternative bibliography," refers to a bibliography or list of references that deviates from standard academic or professional norms. This deviation can manifest in several ways:

• Content: An altbib might include sources typically excluded from formal bibliographies, such as blog posts, personal websites, grey literature (reports, working papers), social media posts, or even works of fiction that are relevant to the topic at hand.
• Purpose: While a traditional bibliography aims to comprehensively document sources used in a research project, an altbib may serve a different purpose, such as showcasing a range of perspectives, highlighting unconventional or overlooked viewpoints, or providing a curated selection of resources for a specific audience or task.
• Formatting and Style: An altbib may not adhere to strict citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago. The formatting may be looser, focusing on clarity and accessibility rather than strict adherence to academic conventions.
• Context: The need for an altbib typically arises when standard bibliographical practices are deemed inadequate for capturing the relevant information or perspectives on a particular subject. This is especially common in rapidly evolving fields, interdisciplinary research, or areas where non-academic sources play a significant role in knowledge production.

The term "altbib" implies a conscious decision to depart from traditional bibliographical methods, often driven by a desire for inclusivity, relevance, or practicality in representing a body of knowledge. An altbib is not necessarily less rigorous than a traditional bibliography; it simply prioritizes different values and goals.