The Fraternity File Goes Digital Dealing with Plagiarism in the Internet Age
Definition of Plagiarism Using another’s words as one’s own Using another’s ideas as one’s own Using another’s compositional patterns as one’s own Using incorrect citations to identify material from any source
Plagiarism from the Internet “Cut and paste” papers lacking either paraphrasing or citations paraphrasing or citations Downloaded papers from free paper mill sites Custom written papers from paper mill sites
Reasons Students Plagiarize Failure to understand the teacher’s instructions Failure to attend to details of citation Failure to understand the serious ethical issues of plagiarism Belief that all material on the Internet is free for the taking Lack of self-confidence in personal writing ability
Degrees of Plagiarism The unintentional plagiarist Failed to understand assignment Failed to use citations carefully Needs further instruction The intentional plagiarist Deliberately sought out and copied another’s work Needs penalties
Laws Regarding Copyright Constitution Copyright Act 1976 Digital Millennium Copyright Act 1998 TEACH Act 2001
Authorities Regarding Copyright Librarians US Patent Office Center for Academic Integrity
Consequences of Plagiarism Is it better to get caught?
Penalties for Plagiarism Fail Assignment Fail Class Suspension Expulsion
Student’s Defense Necessary evil Internet paper mills
The Instructor’s Burden Catch them in the act
Online Help against Plagiarism Google.com Plagiarism.org Turnitin.com
The Librarian’s Role with Students Teach students to evaluate websites carefully Teach laws governing the use of copyrighted material Teach proper methods of citation Engage students in ongoing discussion about ethical behavior
The Librarian’s Role with Faculty Collaborate to develop clear and creative assignments that discourage plagiarism Help faculty understand copyright laws governing school use Be actively engaged in developing an academic integrity policy Become the school expert on detecting plagiarism