Introducing the 'Little Book of Plagarism' by Marie Stinson

21 October 2003

Everyone knows what an elephant is ... but try describing it! Plagiarism was like that. Academics knew it when they saw it, but that was too late. The question was: how to define it so as to help prevent it in the first place?

This became increasingly urgent following regulatory change. A student's 'intention' is now immaterial; the fact of plagiarism is enough. Given this, it certainly behoved us to tell our students clearly what they shouldn't be doing, and how to avoid doing it.

I forget why this unenviable task fell to me as convenor of the Equal Opportunities Working Group of the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Committee. But it did, and the Little Book is the outcome (title courtesy of Bill Howe of the Students' Union).

The book:

Another welcome feature of the Little Book is that it is the product of cross-university input: myself and Kate Karban (academic staff); Chas Burnett (administrative staff); Bill Howe (Students’ Union); Martin Rushall (Secretary's Office); Carol Smith (Student Services)and Liz Waller (LIS).

The process of discussion, draft, discussion and re-draft had its moments. My first loose-baggy-monster was kindly received, but many additions were suggested. Finally someone said "yes, put all this in, Marie, but do make it shorter, your existing version is far too long"!

The result is a concise but comprehensive nine pages and on behalf of the team I commend it to you.

The Little Book of Plagiarism has been forwarded to Schools for distribution to all HE students; it is also available on the web and in Skills for Learning. A slightly modified version for our FE students in Harrogate will be available shortly.