What does the term "Ibid" refer to in academic writing?

The term "Ibid" is derived from the Latin word "ibidem," which means "in the same place." In academic writing, "Ibid" is used in citations to refer back to the last source that was cited, indicating that the information being referenced comes from the same location as previously mentioned in the preceding footnote or endnote. This helps to streamline citations and avoids the repetition of complete bibliographic information when multiple references are made to the same work in succession. By using "Ibid," writers can maintain clarity and conciseness in their text. This is particularly useful in lengthy academic papers where sources are frequently cited.