COPYRIGHT AND ETHICAL USE OF INFORMATION: SUGGESTIONS FOR ANTI-PLAGIUM ACTIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
plagiarism; copyright; information literacy; ethic; librarian
The scientific production has grown more and more over time, as has access to information, with setbacks arising, such as the growth of plagiarism and other attacks on copyright. The Brazilian legal system establishes the rights of authors over their creations and penalties for offenders. However, having an upstanding and honest academic environment is the responsibility of everyone, and it can incorporate suitable measures for this purpose, such as Information Literacy. Thus, this research proposes, in a general sense, to develop a theoretical and practical instrument for education in information literacy in light of legal aspects related to ethical and normative use of academic information. Therefore, it describes the contemporary ethical-informational context and the problems that affect the use and production of information in higher education, especially regarding copyright; identifies the consequences provided for in Brazilian legislation applicable to those who violate these prerogatives; understands the role of librarians and other academic professionals in developing information literacy, ethical use of information, and combating plagiarism. The research is exploratory and descriptive, combining bibliographic and documentary approaches, with a qualitative nature. The data analysis utilized the method of interpretation of meanings. Through the results, an informative booklet on copyright and related subjects for higher education institutions was developed as a product. In conclusion, besides the informational product presented, the importance of the topic and ongoing study in the area were also considered so that, due to technological advancements and legislative changes, new tools and actions may emerge and be suggested.