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Citation Help Guides

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is when someone copies another's original work and claims it as their own. It is important to keep in mind that plagiarizing can have severe repercussions. 

Why is plagiarism taken seriously? Committing plagiarism is considered similar to committing theft or fraud. 

Plagiarism can take many forms, but these actions are the most typical:

  • Inserting a quote without including quotation marks
  • Copying another's work and claiming it as your own
  • Turning in another's work as your own
  • Copying the idea or structure of a sentence from a source without crediting them

Most of the actions above can be solved by citing your sources! When someone's work has been cited, you have correctly acknowledge that you have incorporated their work or ideas in your own work. 

Does this seem a little scary or intense? Do not worry! The library is here to help you properly cite your sources. 

Am I Plagiarizing?

Ask yourself: Am I plagiarizing? Use this flow chart made by EasyBib for the answer.

Remember: When in doubt, add a citation.