Librarians’ Experiences of Professional Conferences During Periods of Insecurity in Nigeria

Abstract

Insecurity has become a major barrier to professional activities in Nigeria, including conference
participation. This study examined librarians' experiences attending conferences during periods
of insecurity, using the 64th Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Conference in Minna as a case
example. It explored how insecurity affected attendance, gathered participants' personal
experiences, examined reasons for non-attendance, assessed the effects on professional
development, and suggested strategies to improve participation in unsafe environments. The
study used a qualitative mixed-methods approach, combining case study and phenomenological
techniques. We purposively and snowball-sampled 23 librarians—including NLA leaders,
academic librarians, and LIS educators—and 6 librarians who did not attend for interviews. We
conducted focus groups with eight NLA chapters using maximum variation sampling,
supplemented by participant observation. We thematically analysed data from interviews, focus
groups, observations, and field notes. Findings indicated that insecurity heavily influences
attendance decisions, as participants weigh safety concerns against professional responsibilities.
While some attend for leadership roles, sponsorship, or academic opportunities, they adopt
precautions such as travelling in groups, avoiding night trips, and monitoring security updates.
Non-attendees cited fears of kidnapping, highway attacks, and unsafe interstate travel as reasons
for their absence, which hampers networking, collaboration, mentoring, and ongoing
professional engagement. Participants recommended conducting security risk assessments,
collaborating with security agencies, arranging safe travel, using verified communication
channels, and adopting hybrid conference formats to sustain participation despite security risks.
The study concludes that insecurity has transformed how conferences are attended, but
librarians demonstrate resilience, highlighting the importance of strategic institutional efforts to
maintain professional growth amid security challenges.