Skip to Main Content
HVCC logo and library name

Plagiarism

what not to do

Dwight Marvin Library Plagiarism Tutorial

Definition

Plagiarism means using someone else's words and ideas and claiming them as your own.  Examples of plagiarism include:

  • Copying an article from the web or a database right into your paper.
  • Using a direct quote without quotation marks, even though the source is cited.
  • Paraphrasing without citing your source.
  • Putting your name on someone else’s paper.
  • Faking a citation.
  • Buying a paper online or other paper mills.

Consequences of Plagiarism

What may happen if you plagiarize:

  1. Disciplinary warning. Paper is given a 0—Student may fail the course.
  2. Disciplinary probation. You may be on academic probation for the rest of your time in college. 
  3. Temporary, indefinite or permanent expulsion.Your reputation harmed.

Transferring to another college, future job interviews, positions of respect in your community may be unavailable just because you thought it would be ok to plagiarize. 

What if some day you’d like to run for political office? You don’t want to be known as someone who doesn’t do his/her own work.For more details about the consequences of plagiarism, check the HVCC Plagiarism Policy

Books on Plagiarism

Information Ethics from Introduction to Information Literacy

Screenshot of Video on Information Ethics