Although correct citation is ethically and professionally correct, it may not fulfil all the legal requirements for reusing the work of others. This section outlines some considerations that are important if your work is to be published. For unpublished work – for example, an essay submitted for assessment – these points are usually not a concern.

Keep in mind that putting something on the internet is publishing it.

Obtain permissions

In general, permission is needed from publishers when using substantial components of sources – figures, tables, large sections of text, and so on. Simply giving the reference is not enough.

Check licences and copyright

Do not assume that because something is available it can be reused, with or without citation. Check the conditions for reuse on all works, whether books and journals or blogs and social media. Some works may have licences attached, such as the Creative Commons licences. These set out the rules for reuse. The lack of a licence does not mean you can do what you like.

Similarly, correct citing is no protection against breach of copyright. The law places limits on what can be reused and how. Although there are provisions that allow reuse of material for critical, research and other purposes, there are limits.