How do you deal with plagiarism and copyright issues when using reference management software?

1 Choose a reliable RMS

Not all RMS are created equal. Some may have more features, better compatibility, or higher accuracy than others. You want to choose a RMS that suits your needs, preferences, and budget, but also one that has a good reputation and track record. Look for reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other users and experts. Check the RMS website for updates, support, and policies. Avoid using outdated, unsupported, or dubious RMS that may compromise your data or citations.

2 Check your sources and citations

Even if you use a RMS, you still need to check the quality and validity of your sources and citations. A RMS can help you find, import, and format your references, but it cannot verify their accuracy, relevance, or originality. You need to do your own research, evaluation, and verification of the information you use and cite. You also need to check the citation style, format, and rules that apply to your field, journal, or institution. A RMS can help you generate and insert citations, but it may not always follow the latest or specific guidelines. You need to review and edit your citations as needed.

3 Cite properly and ethically

Using a RMS does not exempt you from following the ethical principles and standards of scientific writing. You need to cite properly and ethically, giving credit to the original authors and sources of the information you use. You need to avoid plagiarism, which is the act of using someone else's words, ideas, or data without proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional, but it is always unacceptable and punishable. You need to use quotation marks, paraphrasing, summarizing, and citing techniques to avoid plagiarism. You also need to use your own voice, analysis, and interpretation to show your contribution and understanding of the topic.

4 Respect copyright and permissions

Using a RMS does not give you the right to use or share any source or material without respecting the copyright and permissions of the owners. Copyright is the legal protection of the intellectual property rights of the authors or creators of the works. Permissions are the agreements or licenses that allow you to use or share the works under certain conditions. You need to follow the copyright and permissions rules and regulations that apply to your field, journal, or institution. You need to check the source type, availability, and terms of use before you import, cite, or share it. You need to obtain the necessary permissions or licenses if you want to use or share copyrighted or restricted works.

5 Use plagiarism detection and copyright tools

Using a RMS can make your citation process easier and faster, but it can also increase the risk of plagiarism and copyright infringement if you are not careful. You need to use plagiarism detection and copyright tools to check your work and avoid any potential problems. Plagiarism detection tools are software or online services that scan your work and compare it with other sources to identify any similarities or matches. They can help you detect and prevent plagiarism, but they cannot replace your own judgment and responsibility. Copyright tools are software or online services that help you find, access, and manage your sources and permissions. They can help you respect and comply with the copyright and permissions rules and regulations, but they cannot replace your own research and verification.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?