How to Learn About Avoiding Illegally Citing Work From Authors

Issues of plagiarism and copyright infringement have become more widespread over the last decade. Increased Internet access allows college students, writers and others to easily plagiarize or copy the work of another writer or author. Everyone involved in publishing or writing should understand the penalty for illegally citing work from authors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Talk to an intellectual-property lawyer about the penalty for illegally citing work. Intellectual-property laws combine precise language with a number of exceptions that need to be understood by every writer. Writers should also utilize pro bono resources through a local law school or the American Bar Association (see Resources below).
2. Converse with your publisher's legal department before pursuing a citation that may be questionable. Publishers employ intellectual-property and communications lawyers to assist their writers with a number of issues. This advice is free, and repeated consultations can help writers learn how to avoid illegally citing work from other authors.
3. Join online forums and writing groups to learn about the repercussions of illegal citations. These informal groups allow writers to discuss individual anecdotes about academic dishonesty or copyright infringement. Groups such as the National Writers Union and other advocacy groups help connect writers and pool resources (see Resources below).
4. Approach your professor to learn about the penalty for illegally citing work in undergraduate or graduate work. Universities in general and specific departments establish codes of conduct that provide penalties for plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Students who have any question about a particular citation should consult their professor immediately to avoid suspension or expulsion.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with the author you are citing before publishing your work. This direct contact can help alleviate any questions of academic honesty and avoid the cost of lengthy court proceedings. Ask the author if you can record or transcribe the conversation as evidence of permission.
• Avoid the problem of illegally citing work through use of the fair use doctrine, as outlined by Stanford University Libraries (see Resources below). Fair use allowances in copyright law let authors excerpt other authors as long as citation is given. Fair use has its limits, and judicial precedent gives the benefit of the doubt to writers who create original work without harming the reputation of the quoted author.