Library Basics

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is using someone else's work as your own. Some examples of plagiarism include:

buying a paper or downloading one from the Internet and submitting it as your own
copying and pasting information from the Internet or a database and not citing the source
summarizing someone else's ideas but not citing that person.

Plagiarism is a serious offense that may result in failing an assignment, a course, or being expelled from the university. See the university policy on academic dishonesty in the Student Handbook for more details.

Learning to use information ethically and to avoid plagiarism are important lessons in becoming an information literate person. Be sure to give proper credit to each and every source that you use, whether you quote directly or paraphrase, whether it is a traditional print source like a book or magazine, or an electronic source like a database or a Web site.

To help you use information ethically, the libraries offer quick style guides for various formats, such as MLA, APA and Turabian. Print copies are available at the Drinko Reference Desk or these quick guides may also be printed from the libraries' web site.

Plagiarism has become a serious problem on university campuses. You should be aware that Marshall University subscribes to a service called turnitin.com, which allows your professors to submit your papers and assignments to be checked for plagiarism.

If you have any questions about giving credit, ASK!!

View the "Information and Order" video about plagiarism

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