Abstract:

[Purpose/Significance] The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally transformed academic research and information services. This makes AI literacy education a critical part of the strategy for academic libraries. As AI technologies become integrated into various aspects of scholarly activities, including literature searches, data analysis, academic writing and publishing, libraries must expand their traditional information literacy programs to include comprehensive AI competencies. This study focuses on analyzing AI literacy education practices in Nordic academic libraries, which are recognized for their progressive approaches to digital education and technology integration. By examining these international exemplars, the research aims to provide valuable references for academic libraries in China. The findings will help libraries develop systematic approaches to equip faculty and students with both technical AI skills and critical understanding of AI's ethical implications, ultimately supporting the cultivation of future-ready talents in the digital era. [Method/Process] This research employed a web-based survey methodology to investigate AI literacy education programs in 23 academic libraries across Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden). The study systematically analyzed four key dimensions of these programs: educational stakeholders (including libraries, faculty, and IT departments), target audiences (undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and faculty), educational content (covering both technical skills and ethical considerations), and instructional formats (such as workshops, courses, and online modules). The selection of Nordic libraries as case studies was based on their established reputation in digital literacy education and early adoption of AI-related services. Data collection focused on publicly available information about each library's AI education initiatives. The analysis particularly emphasized how these libraries integrated AI literacy within their existing information literacy frameworks while addressing the specific needs of different user groups. [Results/Conclusions] The investigation revealed several effective practices in AI literacy education. First, successful programs typically involved collaboration among multiple stakeholders, with libraries working closely with academic departments, IT services, and sometimes external partners to develop comprehensive curricula. Second, the content was carefully designed to address different competency levels, from basic AI awareness for undergraduates to advanced applications for researchers. Third, most programs balanced technical instruction with critical discussions about ethical challenges such as algorithmic bias and data privacy. Fourth, diverse delivery methods were employed, including hands-on workshops, credit-bearing courses, and self-paced online modules, allowing for flexibility in learning. For Chinese academic libraries seeking to enhance their AI literacy offerings, these findings suggest several practical recommendations: establishing cross-departmental collaboration mechanisms to pool expertise and resources; developing tiered educational content that caters to users with varying needs and backgrounds; incorporating both technical training and ethical discussions into the curriculum; and adopting flexible teaching formats to maximize accessibility. Future development should focus on creating localized AI literacy frameworks that consider China's unique educational context and technological landscape, while maintaining international perspectives through continued dialogue with global peers.

Key words: AI literacy, nordic countries, university library, AI literacy education