(via Susan Lessick–University of California, Irvine)
Are you eager to enhance services, build strategic connections, and boost the influence of your library? Do you have a research idea or question that you are passionate about but need guidance and a supportive network to bring it to life? Are you interested in advocating for the essential role of librarians in advancing health and wellness?
The Medical Library Association’s Research Training Institute (RTI) program is a comprehensive online research methods training and support program. With a proven model, RTI empowers participants to strengthen their research capabilities, build confidence, and boost productivity (see RTI Assessment Findings and article). All librarians, no matter the size or type of setting or level of professional experience, who provide health information services, collections, and support and want to contribute to improving library and health care outcomes are encouraged to apply. RTI ’25 also accepts a limited number of graduate students from Library and Information Science (LIS) programs, creating a dynamic of experienced practitioners and emerging professionals for advanced research instruction, mentoring, and hands-on experience in conducting a research project.
The year-long program includes advanced research modules, mentoring by faculty experts (the 2024 faculty included Northwestern University’s Karen Gutzman) and peer coaches, and guided project implementation, culminating in a research poster presentation at the MLA ’26 Conference & Exhibits. Participants can earn 48 MLA continuing education (CE) contact hours and receive an MLA Research Training Institute Fellow Certificate, gaining valuable recognition for their accomplishments.
New Groundbreaking RTI Research Fellowship for 2025!
For RTI graduates, a prestigious new fellowship–the RTI Research Fellowship–will recognize those who complete the RTI program and publish their RTI research as lead authors in peer-reviewed journals. In recognition of their achievements, the RTI Research Fellows will be distinguished with the use of “RTIF” post-nominals following their names. As the only research fellowship for librarians and LIS graduate students in the country, the RTI Research Fellowship sets a national and global benchmark of excellence for LIS research education.
Applications Open Until February 18, 2025
Join the 2025 RTI cohort! Applications are open through Tuesday, February 18, with acceptance notifications in April. Scholarships are available for professionals and students with financial need. The program welcomes U.S., Canadian, and international applicants, and individuals from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. For eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and more information, visit the RTI website or contact Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA, at slessick@uci.edu.