Work

A Narrative Review of Microlearning for Information Literacy Instruction in Academic Libraries

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: With digital learning and the changing needs of students, information literacy instruction in academic libraries has evolved. Microlearning is consists of short and targeted learning units to support this development. This narrative review covers the characteristics, applications, benefits, shortcomings and future directions of microlearning for information literacy instruction. A broad and iterative search of scholarly literature was undertaken to identify relevant studies, which were then synthesised to identify common themes and research gaps. The findings suggest that microlearning facilitates flexible and learner-centred instruction and is especially valuable for specific, task-oriented Informa literacy skills. But its effectiveness depends on proper instructional design and not just on brevity or technical quality. The major challenges are fragmented learning, instructional continuity, sustainability and limited application of learning theories. Current research also relies heavily on learner perceptions and offers little evidence of actual learning outcomes. Microlearning should therefore supplement rather than replace comprehensive information literacy instruction. Future research should also strengthen the evaluation of the learning outcomes and application of instructional design theories.

Source: International Journal of Modern Education

DOI: 10.35631/ijmoe.831081

Authors: Nur Areena Aqilah Mohd Sapri, Noor Syakinah Mohd Ridwan, Mahadi Mahmood, Asma Nadia Zanol Rashid

Institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA System, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Language: English

Topic: Library Science and Information Literacy

Subfield: Library and Information Sciences

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Universiti Teknologi MARA