Honor other's work, understand copyright.

• Always cite your sources: (text, sound, graphics, video...)
• Always give credit where credit is due.
• Always comply with all copyright rules.
• Never "copy and paste" and call it your own.

Original thinking, not plagiarism.

• Put your notes in your own words.
• Use graphic organizers to sort out your facts.
• Use a variety of note taking methods.
• Highlight phrases in personal print documents.
• Put a new twist on old information.

Need privacy? There is no privacy on the Internet.

• Never knowlingly give personal information on the Internet.
• Always follow Acceptable Use Policies.
• Keep passwords private.
• Keep personal information private.

Evaluate your sources.

• Always use the Resource Evaluation checklist.
• Check and double chek your Internet sources.
• Be critical of all informationon the Internet.
• Question authority, accuracy and currency.
• Disregard sites that do not meet criteria.
• Use more than one source to validate information.

Safety is number one. Err on the side of caution.

• Use Chat Lines only with the permission of a teacher/parent.
• Never agree to a face-to-face meeting with someone you meet on the Internet.
• Never knowingly give personal information.
• Notify a trusted adult if you feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Teachers and teacher-librarians are there to help you.

• When in doubt, ask for help from your tacher or teacher-librarian.
• Report any inappropriate sites you encounter.
• Use Resource Sheets available through the Library.
• Ask for any pre-selected sites that demonstrate the best of the Internet.

You are in control...not the information.

• Manage time by using a Research Strategy Plan.
• Employ your critical thinking skills throughout your research.
• Create new ideas from information found.
• Be aware of the addictive nature of the Internet and that it is a virtual world, not a real one.

Developed by the B.C.T.L.A. (British Columbia Teacher-Librarians Association)
with support from the British Columbia Ministry of Education.