Why Bother?!?
1. Cover yourself!
1. Cover yourself!
- Attribution/citation shows what information sources you have used to complete your work, that you have done your research.
- Attribution/citation helps you demonstrate that you have not plagiarized your work, used copyrighted images, etc.
- Within school and work settings, attribution/citation is an expected - and often required - practice.
2. Give credit where credit's due
2. Give credit where credit's due
- In any setting, it is considered common courtesy to give credit where it's due.
- Acknowledging the works you build upon strengthens rather than diminishes your own work.
- Be classy! Take the time and make the effort to recognize the work of others you've used.
3. establish your own authority
3. establish your own authority
- The quality of your sources informs how seriously people will take your work.
- Show that your work has been created by considering and integrating good quality sources.
- Why should people believe you? Your sources demonstrate that your ideas have support.
4. Empower further inquiry
4. Empower further inquiry
- Ideally, your work might inspire someone or spark their curiosity. Your sources may be a good starting point for them to explore!
- Do people doubt you? Checking out your sources may help them understand what you have shared.
- You can't include everything! When you attribute/cite what is relevant, people may learn more by seeking out source material.