Abstract

Academic libraries have served as institutions that support the educational mission of their affiliated universities by not only facilitating learning and research activities but also directly providing user education, such as information literacy instruction. With the increasing complexity of the digital transformation and information environment, user education in academic libraries has become an essential factor in fostering the academic success of university members. This study aimed to enhance the educational role of academic libraries by analyzing recent user education cases in domestic and international academic libraries and synthesizing the results of written interviews with university administrators. Based on the findings, four key strategies were identified to improve the effectiveness of user education in academic libraries. First, information literacy education should be systematically strengthened to cultivate students’ ability to critically evaluate reliable information and use it ethically. Second, customized educational programs that reflect the diverse needs of users should be developed to provide differentiated education according to academic disciplines and learning stages. Third, education on information retrieval and evaluation capabilities should be enhanced by utilizing AI and big data in response to changes in the digital environment. Fourth, collaboration with faculty and researchers should be promoted to establish an interdisciplinary education model and activate user education linked to the curriculum. This study presented strategic directions for academic libraries to transition from mere information providers to key educational institutions, thereby reinforcing their educational role and institutional standing through improved user education.