Enhancing digital literacy through legal research skill:evaluating the impact on Law undergraduates atInternational Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

In higher education, digital literacy is essential for academic success and meaningful participation in a knowledge-based society. This paper examines the effectiveness of the Legal Research Skill Module implemented by the M. Kamal Hassan Library for undergraduate law students enrolled in the Legal Method (LAWS 1330) course at Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The programme is designed to enhance students’ information literacy and digital research competencies to equip them to navigate, evaluate, and apply legal information resources in a digital environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study measures changes in students’ knowledge and skills through pre-and post-assessments, complemented by feedback on the module’s content and delivery. The results show a high satisfaction rate of 96% (January to December 2024) and indicate substantial improvement in students’ abilities to locate, access, and utilise credible legal sources. Students’ self-assessments prior to and following the sessions revealed noticeable gains in knowledge, alongside increased confidence in using library resources effectively. Participants also expressed positive perceptions of the module’s relevancy, acknowledging its importance for both academic learning and future legal practice. The study further explored students’ expectations and learning objectives, revealing a strong alignment between instructional goals and learner outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of academic libraries in fostering digitally literate, research-capable graduates who are well-equipped to engage as knowledgeable and responsible members of society. This study contributes to the broader discourse on digital literacy in higher education, offering practical insights for librarians and educators in designing impactful, learner-centred instructional programmes that support students’ evolving digital and legal information needs.