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Plagiarism and Citations - Maple Woods

Learn how to cite correctly and avoid plagiarism

Welcome

Welcome! This guide will help you learn what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, and how to cite your sources. 

  • Visit the Plagiarism page to learn more about what plagiarism is and see some examples of what constitutes plagiarism.
  • The Citing page will teach you the importance of crediting your sources using citations.
  • Need help citing your sources? The MLA Citation Guide and APA Citation Guide pages will help you navigate the citation styles with ease. 

Need help? Ask a librarian!

What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of legal protection provided to authors. It covers literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other intellectual works. Under this protection, the owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the work, as well as prepare derivative works.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property includes literary works (such as novels, short stories, poems, plays), images, musical compositions, computer programs, artistic works (such as paintings, sculpture, photographs), choreography, films, ads, architectural designs, maps, songs, and websites.

Intellectual property is protected by copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

Fair Use

The doctrine of fair use allows you to reproduce an author's work. This is especially important in the areas of research and education. Fair use is not always clear-cut, but generally these factors are considered in determining whether the use is fair:

  • The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.
  • The nature of the copyrighted work.
  • The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole.
  • The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work.

 

Maple Woods Library Contact and Hours

MCC-Maple Woods Library
2601 NE Barry Road
Kansas City, MO 64156
816.604.3080

Fall & Spring Hours
Monday - Wednesday: 8am to 7pm
Thursday: 8am to 5pm
Friday: 8am to 12pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED