The
Internet has many beneficial features but a drawback is that it invites almost effortless
plagiarism. When writing a piece of work you will need to refer to material written or produced
by
others, whether published in print or electronic form. Consistency, accuracy and a good level
of
detail are important to enable readers to identify and locate the material to which you have
referred. The same set of rules should be followed every time you cite a reference. Publishers
issue guidelines for authors and some departments of University of Cambridge have their own
guidelines eg History
and Philosophy of Science plagiarism guidelines.
Plagiarism
may mean you are in breach of copyright (for example, recall that the fair dealing
exceptions are almost only able to be relied upon where there is full acknowledgment of the
source). Additionally, plagiarism is a breach of moral rights.
