Abstract

User education in academic libraries can be traced back to the beginning of the education for librarianship in late 19th century. Since then, perspectives in library user education and the perceptions of researchers and practitioners have changed due to new technologies. Recent literature in this field illustrates wide variety of concerns and issues of user education in academic libraries. This paper attempts to highlight such issues and perceptions regrading the subject. It suggests that some fundamental features of LIS education require attention. Suggestions are outlined along with the strong recommendations in terms of the importance of critical thinking and reading, user education as a tool of library promotion, and the politics of academic library user education.