Scholarship Opportunities

RTI Online offers numerous scholarships to support participants’ attendance in the RTI ‘21 institute program. WE expect additional scholarships to become available over time. We will keep the Scholarship Opportunities page updated as other opportunities open up.

Opportunities for Librarians in Small Libraries

Scholarships for library professionals working in small libraries provide opportunities for library professionals from these environments on limited budgets to expand their research skills and knowledge by attending the Research Training Institute.

• Goal: To increase accessibility to institute training and support for this disadvantaged group of library professionals.
• Awards: Two scholarships will be awarded to attend the institute, including:
• Registration fee ($750)

• Eligibility:
• Applicants must meet institute eligibility requirements.
• Applicants must work in small libraries, defined as one or more of the following:
• fewer than 4 paid staff
• hospitals with 100 beds or less
• a 1-person library
• Applicants must complete an online application form and check the scholarship application box to be considered for this award.

• Applicants must be current MLA members.  Learn more about MLA membership options and benefits.

Opportunities for Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Research

Special scholarships for library professionals who propose research projects that explore diversity, equity, or inclusion in health sciences librarianship.

• Goals:
• To provide opportunities and support for library professionals to conduct assessments and research on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics and issues.
• To promote an understanding of the value and impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in health sciences librarianship and throughout the LIS community.

• Awards: Two scholarships will be awarded to attend the institute, including:
• Registration fee ($750)
• Eligibility:
• Applicants must meet institute eligibility requirements.
• Applicants must propose research that explores diversity, equity, or inclusion in health sciences librarianship.
• Applicants must complete an online application from and check the scholarship application box to be considered for this award.
• Applicants must be current MLA members. Learn more about MLA membership options and benefits.

Opportunities for AAHSL Member Libraries

Scholarships for library professionals working in AAHSL member libraries who help provide learning opportunities for academic health librarians to expand their research skills and knowledge by attending the Research Training Institute.

• Goal: To ensure that library professionals working in academic medical centers gain research competence to better understand the information needs and uses of users, and to collaborate effectively with other faculty and research teams.
• Awards: Four scholarships will be awarded per institute, including:
• Registration fee ($750)
• Eligibility:
• Applicants must meet Institute eligibility requirements.
• Applicants must work in AAHSL member libraries. Membership verification is required.
• Applicants must complete an online application form and check the scholarship application box to be considered for this award.

Opportunities for Other Scholarships

Scholarships are open to all MLA members who indicate on the application form that they have a financial need.

• Goal: To increase participation of library professionals with limited means to attend the institute.
• Awards: Four+ scholarships will be awarded to attend the RTI Online program. Each award  includes a complimentary registration of $750.
• Eligibility:
• Applicants must meet institute eligibility requirements.
• Applicants must complete an online application form and check the scholarship application box to be considered for this award.
• Applicants must be current MLA members.

Non-MLA Applicants

Non MLA applicants should explore MLA membership options and benefits in order to apply and receive scholarship opportunities. MLA members receive RTI fee discounts and are entitled to apply and receive RTI scholarship opportunities. First time members ($150/year), librarians currently unemployed ($50), and librarians with salaries $40,000 or less ($120/year) have reduced membership fees. Learn more about MLA membership fees and benefits.

Notifications

Scholarship recipients will be notified in March 2021. 

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Institute applicants may also apply for:

• MLA professional development grants (MLA members)
• MLA chapters professional development grants (membership may be required)
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) Regional Medical Libraries Professional Development Awards, up to $5,000
• Library associations and state libraries also offer grant funding to support the professional development of health sciences librarians.