Information Literacy and Research Guide - Citing, Copyright & Ethics

| Citing | Copyright | Ethics |

How and When to Cite

Ever heard the phrase - 'Give credit where credit is due'? As a member of an academic community, it is your responsibility to appropriately acknowledge the use of ideas, language or works that are not yours.  To not do so results in plagiarism - the intentional or even unintentional passing off of another's work or ideas as one's own.

In order to avoid plagiarism, you must cite sources within your paper where appropriate, as well as assemble a bibliography or list of works cited. The style or format you use to cite your resources will depend on whether or not your instructor has assigned you to use one specific style (i.e. MLA, APA, Chicago, CBE, Turabian), or is allowing you to choose.

Cite sources within your paper anytime you use a direct quote, paraphrase (re-writing a quote in your own words), summarize, or otherwise refer to someone else's work or idea.  This may be done through parenthetical reference or using footnotes.  You must also create a bibliography or list of works cited to document any sources you used! 

For examples on how to cite sources within your paper and how to create a bibliography or list of works cited using a variety of styles, consult the following sources:

(English 101 students should use MLA Style.  Speech 101 Students should use APA Style).

It can be difficult to wade through the multiple documentation styles and how to use them correctly.  For assistance:

• By Phone:  (605)688-5570, or toll-free at:  1-800-786-2038

• E-mail the SDSU Librarians

• In Person:  The Information Desk is staffed Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday Noon-5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00-10:00 p.m.

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| How and When to Cite | Ethical and Legal Aspects | Copyright Resources |

Ethical & Legal Use of Information

As a member of today's active information-producing society, you have a social responsibility to use information ethically and legally.  Imagine spending hours, weeks, even years writing a book, an article, or taking the perfect photograph.  Now imagine someone else taking credit for your hard work.  Think it's not a big deal?  Think again!  Academic dishonesty and the punishments for violating university policy are clearly defined in Chapter 1:10:25 of the SDSU Student Code. Some examples of academic dishonesty as defined at SDSU include:

• Copying from sources without giving proper documentation

• Buying a pre-written paper (on the Internet, by mail, or in person!)

• Having someone else write your paper

• Paying someone to write your paper

• Submitting someone else's work as your own, either with or without permission

• Cheating on a quiz or exam

• Fabrication or falsification of a citation

• Acting on behalf of, or representing the university when not authorized to do so

• Election tampering

If you are confused about whether or not you need to cite a resource, or how to properly document it - ASK! You must also have permission to use many images, cartoons and other media found on the Internet or in print resources.

The concept of intellectual property is sometimes a difficult one to understand.  The though that ideas can be "owned" or "trademarked" may seem strange.  Below are a few definitions from Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary to help clarify things:

Intellectual Property: Patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as trade secrets are often referred to collectively as "intellectual property". 

Patent: 

1: an official document conferring a right or privilege 
2 a: a writing securing to an inventor for a term of years the exclusive right to make,
use, or sell an invention b: the monopoly or right so granted c: a patented invention
3: privelege, license 


Trademark: 

1: a device (as a word) pointing distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise
to which it is applied and legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner as maker
or seller
2: a distinguishing characteristic or feature firmly associated with a person or thing
<derringers... became almost a trademark of gamblers -- Elmer Keith> <wearing his
trademark bow tie and derby hat> 


Copyright:

the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, and sell the matter and form (as of a
literary, musical, or artistic work) 
 

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Copyright Resources

Print Resources:

Online Resources:

If you have any questions while using this guide, please contact a reference librarian:

• By Phone:  (605)688-5570, or toll-free at:  1-800-786-2038

• E-mail the SDSU Librarians

• In Person:  The Information Desk is staffed Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday Noon-5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00-9:00 p.m.

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| How and When to Cite | Ethical and Legal Aspects | Copyright Resources |

Contact Information: Hilton M. Briggs Library, SBL 2115, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007-1098,

Phone: 605-688-5570, Fax: 605-688-6133, Email Us
Updated 28 January 2008 by lmw