Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 9 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Mapping Stakeholder User Journeys in Academic Library Research Consultation Services: Identifying Service Gaps and Improvement Opportunities

Haryanto Haryanto (Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia)
Dwi Cahyo Yanuargo (Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia)
Sri Haryati (Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia)
Dian Hapsari (Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Sep 2026

Abstract

Academic libraries increasingly provide research consultation services to support researchers, lecturers, and students throughout the research process. However, these services may remain fragmented, making it difficult for stakeholders to identify, access, and continue the support they need. This study aimed to map stakeholder user journeys, identify service gaps and pain points, and formulate opportunities for improving academic library research consultation services. A qualitative case study was conducted at the Library of Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia. Data were collected through a focus group discussion involving 23 participants and semi-structured interviews with seven informants, comprising two lecturers, one student, one information technology staff member, and three librarians, complemented by observation and document analysis. The data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns across stakeholder experiences. The findings revealed seven interconnected stages of the research consultation journey and five major service gaps involving service visibility, information access, consultation requests, service continuity, and follow-up. Based on these findings, the study developed a User Journey-Based Service Improvement Model connecting stakeholder research needs with accessible consultation, appropriate expertise, responsive support, documentation, feedback, and continuous improvement. The model provides an operational basis for developing more integrated, responsive, and stakeholder-centered research consultation services.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...