MLA Research Training Institute (RTI) is an immersive online continuing education program for health sciences librarians and LIS graduate students that provides advanced research methods training and an intensive level of support as participants successfully design, conduct, and disseminate a research project.
The RTI Fellowship Program offers a unique and highly effective training model that includes:
- Series of online modules over a one-year period that align with the various stages of the research process.
- Full year of mentoring and support by faculty and peer coaches as participants complete a research project during the institute year.
- Specialized MLA-approved curriculum that covers research planning and design, theoretical frameworks, method selection, data collection and analysis, digital dissemination of research, and reporting findings.
- Faculty consists of 6 research/education experts assisted by 5 peer coaches who are participants from previous RTI institutes.
- Membership in an online network of colleagues and other institute participants (RTI community of practice).
- Opportunity to present a poster presentation at the MLA annual meeting.
- Opportunity to earn 48 MLA continuing education (CE) contact hours.
- Opportunity to earn an MLA Research Training Institute (RTI) Fellow Certificate.
Here’s what RTI Fellows have said about their experience:
“Participating in the RTI has been like getting a mini-PhD.”
“RTI has helped me approach my research ideas from a place of empowerment instead of apprehension.”
“One of the most productive and professional fulfilling milestones of my career.”
RTI Program Details
By the end of the institute program, participants will be able to:
- write research questions and hypotheses
- select a research plan to address their research question
- identify the components of a research proposal
- select a theoretical framework appropriate to a given research question
- conduct a literature review
- apply sampling, recruitment, and ethics approval strategies and procedures
- apply data collection and data management strategies
- identify statistical analyses appropriate to a research question and interpret statistical tests
- identify venues, processes, and issues related to research dissemination
- identify the components of a publishable research report
- apply strategies for writing and submitting a draft research article
- apply strategies for digital research dissemination to various audiences
- enumerate factors that influence balance of research with workplace demands
RTI Participants receive 48 MLA continuing education (CE) contact hours. Interested participants may apply for 30 points toward membership in the Academy of Health Information Professional (AHIP).
RTI program are eligible to apply for an RTI Fellow Certificate. The certificate program provides professional recognition for librarians and graduate students who have completed the RTI advanced research training and conducted and disseminated a research study. To earn the RTI Fellow Certificate, RTI Fellow Candidates must have completed the full RTI program (met the four RTI program requirements). The RTI program requirements are:
- Successful completion of all RTI coursework (all RTI modules in MEDLIB-ED) verified by an MLA CE Certificate
- Participation in group mentor meetings
- Poster presentation of your research project/findings at an MLA annual meeting
- Leading and completing a health information study (defined as completing all stages of your research project, including the statistical/data analysis and research results)
MLA will process your application and, on approval, send you a certificate recognizing your accomplishment. Your award letter will include a link to a digital badge you can include in your email signature line or website.
November 1, 2024 – March 7, 2025
RTI 2024 Institute Participants
The 2024 RTI participants were chosen by a selective submission process with an emphasis on a desire to learn, enthusiasm for research, and the quality and promise of their proposed research projects.
RTI 2024 Faculty
The Research Training Institute (RTI) faculty are recognized experts in a wide range of research areas. They will help librarians use, create, and apply research-based evidence to enhance decision-making, address evolving user needs, communicate library value, and support quality health care.
RTI Dissemination and Impact
The goals of the Research Training Institute (RTI) are to increase research competencies, quantity, quality, and dissemination, and build research capacity among health librarians to contribute to health and library improvements. See more about the RTI Impact.
For questions regarding the RTI Fellowship Program, please contact Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA, RTI founding director.