Altmetrics, a subfield of informetrics, is still in development. The aim of this thesis is to explore; the significance altmetrics may have in the LIS field, and to define the new perspectives altmetrics offer in comparison to traditional metrics. The research questions are:- How can altmetrics affect research assessment?- How does altmetrics position itself towards traditional metrics?- How could altmetrics influence the LIS field?A qualitative content analysis was used as a method. The analysis of a sample of ten peer reviewed articles was based on a coding scheme with eleven codes. The sample was selected using Web of Science, Scopus, the Altmetrics Bibliography and chain search model. Kuhns paradigm concept was used as a theoretic framework together with the concepts Technologies of control (traditional metrics) and Technologies of narcissism (altmetrics) developed by Wouters and Costas.The results show a beginning of a paradigm shift in the research assessment field. Technologies of control with traditional metrics as measure of quality co-exist with the Technologies of narcissim using altmetrics for measuring a researchers impact on society. Altmetrics can be regarded as a complement to traditional metrics capable of evaluating research in four new perspectives: To evaluate the whole readership Potentially benefiting narrower fields Evaluation in realtime Evaluation of research productsThe significance altmetrics may have for the LIS field is to be used as an instrument for information mediation. / Program: Bibliotekarie