USU Libraries Avoiding Plagiarism & Citing Sources

Common Knowledge

You may have heard that you do not have to cite your sources if it is common knowledge. But what does it mean to consider something common knowledge?

Common Knowledge Criteria

Broadly speaking, common knowledge refers to information that the average reader would accept as reliable without having to look it up.   This includes:

Questions to Ask Yourself

Common Knowledge Examples

  1. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States of America.
  2. Beyonce Knowles was a member of Destiny's Child.
  3. Planet Earth revolves around the sun. 

When in doubt...

Cite your sources! If you aren't sure if something is common knowledge, err on the side of caution and cite a source to support the claim. 

 

Is This Common Knowledge?

Is “Big Blue is the mascot of Utah State University” an example of common knowledge?

Yes

Correct! Big Blue as the USU Mascot is common knowledge and therefore not something you would have to cite. 

No

Big Blue as USU's Mascot is common knowledge and not something you would need to cite to support this claim. 

What About This?

Is “The Utah State University main campus is approximately 400 acres, with a statewide acreage of 7,000” an example of common knowledge?

Yes

This is not an example of common knowledge.

No

Correct! This is not an example of common knowledge.