Ethical use of Information in Digital Age : Strategies to Curb Plagiarism

摘要

Purpose: The paper aims to provide basic understanding of the concept and create awareness among researchers, academicians and library professionals towards promoting academic integrity with the ethical use of information. Methodology: The present study explains the concepts of 'Information Ethics' and 'Plagiarism'. The types of plagiarism are deliberated to further clarify the concept of plagiarism. It discusses the prominent reasons for plagiarism; explains good scholarly practice and how plagiarism may be prevented. It critically deliberates on the national policy and discusses the role of academic libraries in curbing plagiarism. Findings: Plagiarism reflects incompetence of researcher and must be prevented at all levels to safeguard the academic integrity. Manuscript suggests that the stakeholders need to join hands together to curb the menace of plagiarism. Academic libraries need to come forward and shoulder the responsibilities in a proactive manner. They should run various kinds of information literacy activities and programs to educate the students and researchers in information handling skills. Such programs should primarily focus on issues like defining and articulating 'Information Needs', skills and expertise for precise and relevant 'Information Access' available in multiple forms and formats, 'Information Evaluation' with respect to its authenticity and reliability, critical thinking skills for effective 'Information Use'and a complete understanding of skills and competency for 'Information Use Ethics'. A close and collaborative effort of libraries with teaching faculty will yield fruitful results in this respect. Originality/Value: The paper will generate basic understanding on the menace of plagiarism and help to promote ethical use of information.