This study aims to analyze the role of information literacy (IL) as a mediating variable in the connection between the independent and dependent variables, Access to Information Resources, Digital Literacy Skills, Information Searching Behavior, Awareness of Library Services, Library Instruction Programs, Staff Support and Guidance, and Technological Infrastructure and User Satisfaction in the context of a university library. The article provides a theoretically sound and empirically validated model of user satisfaction in academic libraries, building upon the information systems (IS) success model.

The present study is a quantitative research, and a survey has been conducted among 380 university library users in Bangladesh. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze direct and indirect effects of independent variables on user satisfaction through information literacy (IL) using SmartPLS.

Results show that most of the impacts of library service aspects on user satisfaction are mediated by IL. So the direct effects of Digital Literacy and Instruction Programs were weak. Predictive relationships are strong for Staff Support, Technological Infrastructure, and Access to Resources. These results reinforce IL as a key factor for improving the quality of academic library services.

By incorporating IL as a primary mediator in the IS success model, the study advances theoretical knowledge about how user-based factors shape overall satisfaction. It contributes to academic discussion through the incorporation of service quality, system quality and information quality in a single model tailored to the library sciences field.

The results provide managerial implications for library administration to enhance user satisfaction. Investment strategically in IL programs, staff development and technological infrastructure is important for nurturing a responsive and effective academic library.

This is the first study to frame IL as a change catalyst in an existing theoretical model, providing conceptual clarity and pragmatic prescription. It contributes to the existing literature by empirically examining a comprehensive model that is designed based on academic libraries of developing countries such as Bangladesh.