Ibid-ious Questions: Should You Drop the "Ibid" in Chicago Style?
Ah, the humble footnote. The unsung hero of academia, silently toiling away at the bottom of the page, providing that all-important "source cred." But for the weary writer, footnotes can also be a source of frustration. Enter the enigmatic "ibid," a Latin abbreviation meaning "in the same place." Can this mysterious word be your footnote fairy godmother, or is it best left in the dustbin of academic history?
The Allure of Ibid: A Shortcut to Sanity?
Let's face it, writing footnotes can feel like an endless game of whack-a-mole. You just bashed down one full citation, and here comes another source like a pesky rodent. "Ibid" beckons like a siren song, promising a sweet escape from repetitive typing. Just slap down that "Ibid" and voila! Instant footnote freedom, right?
Hold Your Horses, Citation Rider!
The truth, as with most things in life, is a little more nuanced. The 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style, the ultimate arbiter of all things Chicago-style, actually discourages the use of "ibid." Apparently, those stodgy style gurus think "ibid" is a bit too cryptic for modern readers. Imagine their horror if they stumbled upon a paper filled with nothing but a string of "ibid"s!
The Preferred Path: The Power of the Shortened Form
So, what's a footnote-fatigued writer to do? Fear not, for Chicago offers a more reader-friendly alternative: the shortened form. This is essentially a condensed version of your original citation, including the author's last name (or editor's for edited works), a shortened title (minus articles like "a" or "the"), and the page number.
For example, let's say your first footnote cites a book by Professor Knowitall titled "The History of Everything, Ever." Your shortened form in subsequent footnotes might look like this:
- First footnote: Knowitall, The History of Everything, Ever, 123.
- Second footnote: Knowitall, History, 124.
See? Less typing, still clear attribution. Everybody wins!
But Wait, There's More! When "Ibid" Might Still Be Your Friend (Maybe)
While the Chicago Manual of Style frowns upon "ibid" in most cases, there are a few exceptions. If you're using an older edition of the manual (pre-17th edition), "ibid" might still be considered acceptable. However, it's always best to check with your instructor or editor for their specific preferences.
The Final Word: Embrace the Shortened Form, But Know When to Let "Ibid" Slide
So, to answer your burning question: can you use "ibid" in Chicago style? The short answer is: probably not, but there are a few fringe cases. Instead, familiarize yourself with the shortened form. It's your new best friend in the world of Chicago-style footnotes.
Now, go forth and footnote with confidence! Just remember, when it comes to "ibid," less is always more.
