Tag: #ashantethomas

Citing Sources: How to Do It Properly

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Citing a source means you admit to readers that they aren’t the first to see the information you’re conveying. You (or some other entity) wrote or created the material and reprinted it first.

Properly citing a source means you go the extra mile to actually tell readers where to find the original. You tell them who first created the work, where it was published, when it was published, and who published it. For instance, if you were citing this post in one of your own publications, you might use APA style:

  • In text—(Thomas, 2015)
  • In a reference list—Thomas, A. (2015, June 27). What does it mean to properly cite a source [Web log post]. Retrieved at https://ashantethomas.wordpress.com/2015/06/27/what-does-it-mean-to-properly-cite-a-source on [your date of access].

Check out the Purdue OWL’s Online Writing Lab (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02) to learn more.

Reprinting figures: When to Pursue Formal Permission

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Always request permission to reprint a figure unless you created the figure for the project it’s being printed in.

Seek written permission to reprint if:

  • You created the figure for a different work that you do not hold copyright for
  • Your friend, colleague, or spouse created the figure, but told you that you can reprint it in your work
  • A third party you truly admire created the figure, and you think reprinting it in your work will enhance your project
  • A third party you truly abhor created the figure, and you know reprinting it in your work will enhance your project
  • You do not want to be sued or embarrassed for stealing

Any images, graphics, or other visual representations need to be properly attributed.
Contact the rights holder directly or visit the Copyright Clearance Center (www.copyright.com) to secure written permission.