On October 17, 2026, University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (UIT) hosted the 11th Library Festival for Students 2026. Under the theme “Connecting Knowledge – Shaping the Digital Future,” the event featured a wide range of interactive experiences, academic exchanges, and technology-focused activities, encouraging independent learning, promoting reading culture, and expanding access to knowledge resources for students across Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM).Jointly organized by University of Information Technology and University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the festival took place at Hall A, UIT, bringing together students, library professionals, and educational activities that reflected the growing role of digital transformation in higher education.An interactive space for knowledge, culture, and technologyThroughout the festival, students participated in a variety of activities, from exploring exhibition areas and interactive experiences to discovering initiatives that brought together culture, knowledge, and technology.Designed to encourage active participation, exploration, and discussion, these activities introduced students to new ways of accessing learning resources and engaging with library services.Modern university libraries are no longer simply places for storing and providing books and documents. They have evolved into dynamic environments for learning, research, and community engagement. Through the festival's activities, students gained opportunities to explore academic resources, develop information literacy skills, and discover library services that support their educational journeys.The participation of students from different VNU-HCM member institutions also created a vibrant atmosphere of interaction and knowledge sharing, strengthening connections among learners with shared interests in education and technology.Exploring AI and digital transformation in developing independent learning skillsOne of the festival's academic highlights was the talk show “Digital Transformation and AI: Enhancing Students' Independent Learning Capabilities in the Digital Era,” featuring Dr. Ngo Duc Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science at UIT.As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education, developing independent learning capabilities has become an essential requirement for university students.The session explored how digital technologies and AI can support learning while encouraging students to take greater ownership of their educational development, select appropriate tools, and adopt effective learning strategies.AI offers new opportunities to search for, synthesize, and access information more efficiently. However, the ability to evaluate source credibility, think critically, and use technology responsibly remains fundamental to meaningful learning.In this context, integrating library resources, information literacy, and digital learning tools plays an important role in helping students develop the skills needed for lifelong learning.Recognizing active library users and encouraging effective use of learning resourcesAlongside interactive experiences and academic discussions, the festival recognized outstanding library users during the 2025–2026 academic year, acknowledging students who actively engaged with and made effective use of library resources.The event also featured an awards ceremony for the competition “Becoming a Smart Library User: Easy or Difficult?”, which encouraged students to strengthen their abilities to search for, evaluate, and use information for academic and research purposes.These recognition activities not only celebrated students' engagement with library services but also helped promote reading habits, academic exploration, and the use of libraries as an integral part of university life.The festival also provided opportunities for students to interact with library professionals from across the VNU-HCM Library System, learn more about available academic resources, and explore services designed to support their learning.Through these interactions, students were encouraged to make more effective use of existing resources, from course materials to specialized information supporting research and professional development.Promoting reading culture and lifelong learning in a digital university environmentUnder the theme “Connecting Knowledge – Shaping the Digital Future,” the 11th Library Festival for Students went beyond introducing academic resources. It also encouraged students to rethink how they discover, access, evaluate, and apply knowledge.In modern higher education, libraries are becoming increasingly integrated into digital learning ecosystems, where students can combine traditional publications, electronic resources, and technological tools to enhance learning and research outcomes.Hosting the festival at UIT also demonstrated collaboration among VNU-HCM member institutions in strengthening student engagement, sharing educational resources, and fostering a culture of proactive learning.Through interactive activities, academic exchanges, and professional discussions, the festival encouraged students to develop consistent learning habits, strengthen information literacy, and adapt confidently to changes in the digital environment.As the 11th Library Festival for Students 2026 concluded, the experiences and knowledge shared throughout the event offered students further motivation to explore academic resources, develop independent learning skills, and establish effective information-seeking habits.For UIT, the festival was more than an opportunity to connect students with library services. It reflected a broader commitment to promoting lifelong learning, inspiring students to explore knowledge independently, and preparing them to thrive in the digital future.