Mobile Information Literacy in the AI Era: A Scalable Model for First-Year Student Success

Abstract

In the digital age, smartphones are the primary gateway to academic information. To align student habits with academic expectations, VinUniversity Library developed the Mobile Information Literacy (MIL) pilot-a mobile-first approach that reimagines traditional library orientation for first-year students.

MIL delivers compact, bilingual (English - Vietnamese) modules optimized for smartphones, integrating short videos, interactive quizzes, and AI-supported guidance. The program builds essential skills in digital library navigation, critical evaluation of sources, ethical information use, and responsible engagement with AI tools. By embedding learning into students' everyday mobile practices, MIL promotes self-directed, inclusive, and on-demand learning. Implemented from 2024 to 2026, the pilot was evaluated through engagement data and student feedback. The results show increased participation, improved confidence in research skills, and stronger readiness for academic study among first year students.

As an innovation, MIL integrates mobile learning with AI-enhanced academic support, reflecting the evolving role of libraries as digital learning hubs. Its bilingual design and low-cost, scalable framework make it adaptable across diverse global contexts.

This project positions the academic library as a leader in bridging digital habits and scholarly practice in an AI-driven, mobile-first world.