Research Support Services in Indonesian Academic Digital Libraries: A Proposed Business Model and Prototype Design

Abstract

Several studies have highlighted the critical role of academic digital libraries in providing research support services and improving research performance. Although several studies have discussed the value of realizing this role, a business model that can serve as a reference in carrying out this role is not yet available. This research aimed to propose a business model and a prototype design for Indonesia’s academic digital library for research support services. A focus group discussion was conducted involving nine experts to identify the key factors. They were then mapped onto a Business Model Canvas. The key activities in the business model guided the requirements gathering for developing a prototype. The requirements were obtained from the literature reviews with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. The requirements were validated by interviewing library managers, research unit managers, and information technology managers. This research resulted in the academic digital library Business Model Canvas and the proposed prototype design, which consisted of a mobile application for member users and a back-office application to manage services by librarians. Further research on prototype implementation testing and the development of a successful implementation model is needed to strengthen this research.