THE ETHICAL USE OF INFORMATION: SOME BASICS Kevin Klipfel, Information Literacy Coordinator, California State University, Chico.

Citing Information  There are two main reasons to cite information in your research:  1. To Give Credit Where Credit is Due: If you use the intellectual work and research of other people, you must properly attribute – or give credit – to the people who did the work.  2. To Provide Evidence for Your Claims: Proper citations allow you to support your argument and allow for your reader to verify what you say.

Citing Sources Properly  It is therefore important for you to know how to cite sources properly. It’s not so important that you memorize how to use a particular citation style. It’s more important that you know where to go to find out how to properly cite information.  Over time, various strategies– or “citation styles’ – have developed within different academic disciplines in order to help you do this.  This module will help you identify where to go to find out how to ethically cite information in your research.

Reputable Citation Websites  There are several websites that will help you cite information. They will tell you which citation style you should use for your subject (if you professor has not already specified one for you) and how to cite information in specific formats (e.g., Books, journal articles, internet sources) within that style.  Some helpful websites include:  Hacker and Fister’s Research Documentation Online Hacker and Fister’s Research Documentation Online  Purdue Owl Purdue Owl  CSU Chico’s Meriam Library Citation Guide CSU Chico’s Meriam Library Citation Guide

Print Citation Guides  CSU, Chico also has citation manuals available in print. Many of these are kept at the Reference Desk on the 2 nd floor of the Meriam Library.Reference Desk  Stop by the reference desk – or chat with us online – to get citation help from a librarian.chat with us online

Understanding Plagiarism  When thinking about using information ethically, a key issue is understanding plagiarism and issues surrounding academic integrity.  In order to do so you should familiarize yourself with CSU, Chico’s Policy on Academic Integrity.Policy on Academic Integrity  Understanding what constitutes plagiarism in your work is your responsibility. If you are uncertain about something, make sure to talk to your professor before handing in your work.

Some General Tips  In their book The Craft of Research, authors Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams offer some helpful tips for the ethical conduct of research:  “Ethical researchers do not plagiarize or claim credit for the results of others.  They do not misreport sources or invent results.  They do not submit data whose accuracy they have reason to question, unless they raise the questions.  The do not conceal objections that they cannot rebut.  They do not caricature or distort opposing views.  They do not destroy or conceal sources and important data for those who follow” (Booth, Colomb, and Williams, 2009, p. 286). Booth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., & Williams, J.M. (2009). The Craft of Research, 2nd ed. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Contact a Librarian  If you’re having any trouble with citations, don’t forget to contact a librarian: we’re more than happy to help!contact a librarian For questions about this module, or how to incorporate this module into specific courses, contact: Kevin Klipfel, Information Literacy Coordinator, California State University, Chico. Contact: