Information Literacy Unit 6: Ethical Use of Information

Referencing

When you are presenting information related to your course of study, for example in a tutorial situation or for a formal assessment task, you must acknowledge the sources of information you have used.

Accurate acknowledgement of information sources is called referencing or citing. Referencing should occur in written presentations such as assignments, reports and even in some examinations, and in spoken presentations.

There are many different referencing styles that writers use to refer to other people’s works. It is important to know which referencing style is preferred by the Faculty or School in which you are studying. This course (EDED11449 – Principles of University Learning) uses the Harvard (author- date) style of referencing. It is very important to note that whatever referencing style you use, you must apply it consistently.

The Referencing webpage, on the Central Queensland University webpage for students, provides comprehensive information about referencing including links to a discussion about the importance of referencing; the University’s Referencing Policy; Faculty styles; and referencing style guides.

Correct referencing is a scholarly expectation of all universities. It is important that you have a very clear understanding of referencing requirements and the purpose of referencing your work.

You should read the information contained within the main menu links on the What is Referencing? webpage, at URL:

http://www.cqu.edu.au/referencing/

Plagiarism

According to Central Queensland University’s Referencing webpage, plagiarism means “taking and using the thoughts, writings, inventions etc. of another person and using them as your own without acknowledging their source.”

Plagiarism is considered to be a very serious academic offence. It is important that you to understand what constitutes plagiarism and the actions you can take to avoid it.

To gain valuable information about the issue of plagiarism, you should read about it at:

http://www.cqu.edu.au/referencing/plagiarism.htm

From this website you will also find a link to Central Queensland University’s Plagiarism Policy. It is worthwhile having a look at this policy to understand the consequences that can result if you commit plagiarism. Repeated and/or extreme offenses can result in expulsion from the University. Inclusive Language

Central Queensland University produces guidelines for the use of inclusive language and strongly encourages all staff and students to use inclusive language in their academic and administrative written and spoken communication.

Read the Guidelines for the Use of Inclusive Language at URL:

http://policy.cqu.edu.au/Policy/policy.jsp?policyid=181

Copyright

Copyright is a form of legal protection for authors to protect them against the unauthorised copying of their work. This work may be either published or unpublished.

You need to be aware that as a student, you can make a copy of a “reasonable portion” of copyright material under the Fair Dealing provisions in the Copyright Act, for the purposes of research or study.

To gain a better understanding of the amounts and uses considered to be “fair” and other information relating to the issue of copyright, you should read the guidelines for students on the Copyright @ CQU website at URL:

http://www.cqu.edu.au/copyright/students/index.htm

Note: It is necessary to be familiar with the information above, including the information contained within the links, in order to complete Information Literacy Quiz 6. You will find the quiz listed when you select the Assessment link on the left of the course website.