4 Academic Integrity
Learning Objectives
In this chapter you’ll learn
- The meaning of academic integrity
- How to cite and reference properly as an important part of avoiding plagiarism
- About supports and resources available in the Library to support academic integrity
What is Academic Integrity?
Academic Integrity is fundamental to learning. The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) (2021) defines academic integrity as “a commitment to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage” (p. 4).
Academic Integrity Course
This short online course from the University’s Academic Integrity Office helps you to master key principles of academic integrity, adopt best practices across all disciplines, and navigate challenges in the digital age, including the responsible use of AI. Gain valuable tools to excel in your studies and beyond.
Click here to enrol in and commence the Academic Integrity for Students Course
Please note that you must be currently enrolled as a student at University of Galway to take this course.
How does the Library support Academic Integrity?
A key element of undertaking an academic course is to gain knowledge and skills that can be taken into the workplace. The Library supports students in developing information literacy skills which are fundamental in the demonstration of academic integrity. The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) (2016) define information literacy as “the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning” (p. 8). During term time we offer drop-in classes and workshops on finding, using and managing information.
Citing and Referencing
Citing and referencing are two words for the same process: of documenting where you have found your information from when that information is not your own. You must refer to all sources you quote or paraphrase within your document. You should always briefly cite the sources you use in your work within the text of your paper as this will refer your reader to your reference list or bibliography where you will provide the full details of the source.
| Citing & Referencing | |
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Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2022) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide, 12th ed., London: Bloomsbury Publishing. Cite them right provides clear and comprehensive coverage of citing and referencing. This 12th edition continues to provide detailed examples for all print and electronic sources, business, government, technical and legal publications, and works of art and images. This book is available in print and also as an eBook. |
References
Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) (2016) Framework for information literacy for higher education, Chicago: ACRL, available: https://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/issues/infolit/framework1.pdf [Accessed 15 Apr 2025].
International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) (2021) The fundamental values of academic integrity, 3rd ed., Delaware: ICAI, available: https://academicintegrity.org/aws/ICAI/asset_manager/get_file/911282?ver=1 [accessed: 11 Feb 2025].
