Systematic, Interactive Teamwork in the Development of a Delphi Study: Advancing Knowledge through an Underutilized Methodology in Library and Information Science

Background: Evidence-based research is essential to improving the state of the Library and Information Science profession. Librarians who develop brilliant ideas for research may lack the skills necessary to conduct a study on the topic. Without a meaningful understanding of available research methodologies and study design, Librarians may create projects that are inadequate for the study of complex processes and policies.

Description: Acceptance as an MLA Research Training Institute (RTI) Fellow and participation in the five-day RTI intensive workshop to develop research skills led to my discovery of an underutilized study methodology in Library and Information Science: The Delphi Method. This method, a type of mixed methods research, is often used in the Health Sciences to create guidelines and models for patient care and service delivery. Teaching and mentorship by the RTI Faculty led to a deeper understanding of the Delphi methodology and the determination that the Delphi Method was the most applicable means for studying a complicated research question. Furthermore, this type of research cannot be performed without a talented team and a commitment to allocate time devoted to scholarly research activities. The RTI Fellowship led to the recognition of opportunities for assembling the right team and finding the time to do the work, and in this case, led to the development of a research protocol paper to evaluate an important issue in hospital library leadership and management.

Conclusion: Developing research competencies as an MLA RTI Fellow has had a positive impact on my ability to conduct research, and our team has successfully developed a research protocol paper that will be presented at the 2021 MLA Annual Conference. The discovery of underutilized research methodologies during the RTI training, together with guidance as to how to establish a research team and dedicate time to scholarly activity, leads to a measurable increase in research confidence and capability.