Library Guides
At university you will be reading, trying to understand and contrast the theories of other people. Refering to the ideas of others will help to support your own opinions. This is what academics will expect you to do. If you do not reference ideas which are not your own you are commiting an academic offence.
In a 2003 study, 46% of Loughborough University students thought including reworded sentences from books, journals or lectures in an assignment without acknowledging the original author was acceptable (Stubbings & Brine, 2003, p.43). This is not true. Even if you have used your own words to summarise someone else you should still acknowledge them in your references.
It would be unfortunate lose marks for lack of (or poor) referencing. On the other hand a well referenced piece of work will show that you have researched your topic well. Think of referencing in a positive manner as a way of making your work look professional and improving your grades. It need not be too difficult.
Stubbings, R. & Brine, A. (2003) 'Plagiarism and the role of the library', CILIP Update. 2(12) pp.42-44.
