International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 29 Professional Networking Among Librarians in Nigeria Adefunke Olanike ALABI Readers’ Services Department University of Lagos Library University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria Email: oladesh@yahoo.com and aalabi@unilag.edu.ng Abstract This is a report of an empirical study on the nature and characteristics of professional networking between and among librarians in Nigeria. The study population consisted of 334 LIS professionals who attended the July 2017 annual conference of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held at the University of Lagos. The study examined the channels used for professional networking among librarians, factors librarians consider before activating professional learning network; reasons for engaging in professional networking and what reasons would make librarians stay connected with their personal learning network. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. Questionnaire was administered on purposeful sample of 100 respondents from the population. Out of the 100 copies of the questionnaires administered, 82 (82%) were returned while 74(74%) were found useful for analysis. Data gathered was analysed using SPSS to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics Findings showed a preponderance of formal networking among the respondents or participants with conferences, seminars and workshop being major avenues. Other technology driven platforms used for professional networking include Facebook and Twitter. Factors considered in activating such networks, and motivations for engaging in and staying connected to such professional network are diverse. The study findings could be used to improve professional development among librarians. Keywords: professional networking, personal learning network, librarians, Nigeria, social media, professional development 1 Introduction Professionals in all spheres of life need to relate with one another by way of networking. According to Johnson (2008) networking is a requisite lifetime skill and necessity that must be developed by all professionals in order to advance in ones chosen career including carving out a sustainable individual professional identity. Forret and Dougherty (2004) defined professional networking as personal attempt by individuals to develop and maintain relationship(s) with others who have potential to assist them in their work/career. In other words, the phenomenon depicts the art of developing connections with people in one’s occupation with a view to acquire/share experience or knowledge. It is also an avenue for mentoring younger professionals. Many scholars have come up with different concepts or terminologies to describe professional networking. Some include Personal Learning Network (PLN) by Tobin (1998); Self-Directed Learning (SDL) by Karakas and Manisaligil (2012) and Personal Knowledge Mastery (PKM) by Jarche (2014). In this study, the word professional networking and professional learning network are used interchangeably. More recently, Rajagopal (2013) posited that professional networking requires ability to identify and understand other people’s work in relation to one’s own and assessment of the value of the connection. The connection is usually made up of a group of people who can guide or direct one’s learning or learning opportunities, answer one’s questions, and share their own knowledge and experience (Tobin, 1998).Through professional networking, individuals could exchange ideas; share information, seek clarification; get second opinion; test new ideas; have access to collaborative problem solving platforms; allows career development; provides platforms for finding constant support in the profession when the need arises (Alcock 2009). Moreover, attainment of leadership competence has also been accentuated in literature through professional networking mailto:oladesh@yahoo.com mailto:aalabi@unilag.edu.ng International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 30 (Crawford, 2015). It can then be said that the overall aim of professional networking is to build relationships that can improve one’s work performance and career progression. In satisfying both immediate and future professional needs, LIS professionals must be able to identify colleagues in different areas of specialty and location including the willingness to share their experiences. It is clear from literature that proponents of PLN allude to the fact that the phenomenon plays crucial role in professional development. In spite of this attribute, PLN suffers some paucity of research works among librarians. This is unlike in other disciplines or professions such as education (Krutka and Carpenter, 2017) and healthcare (Cunningham, et.al. 2012) where literature abounds. It is observed that in the LIS sector, available literature on professional networking is tended towards training than learning, and what librarians should do to cope with the demands of the changing work place (Kont & Jantson, 2015). 1.1 Objectives of the Study The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which librarians network between and among themselves. This objective was achieved within a framework of a number of research questions ranging from the nature and characteristics of preferred network channels, the role of the Nigeria Library Association as a professional body in the provision of enabling environment for networking, reasons for engaging in professional networking and motivation for networking among LIS professionals and sustainability of such networks. 1.2 Research Questions A. What is the most preferred channel for professional networking among librarians, and what is the frequency of use? B. How has Nigerian Library Association (NLA) faired in providing opportunity for professional networking in the LIS sector? C. What factors do librarians consider before engaging in professional networking?? D. What are the reasons for engaging in professional networking among librarians? E. What reason(s) would make librarians stay connected with their personal learning network? 1.3 Hypotheses The following hypotheses were tested at p = 0.05 level A. There is no variation in factors librarians consider before engaging in professional networking and type of library where they work B. There is no variation in reasons for engaging in professional networking and the type of library where librarians work 2 Literature Review Professional networking has long existed as a form of Self-Directed Learning (SDL). Since the early days of PLN, there has been a certain stream of thinking that stresses that PLN are channels for continuing professional development activities. Professional networking has a three layer structure namely: communality layer (strong ties), a sociality layer (weak tie and a connectivity layer called weak ties) and the very weak ties known as connectivity layer (Grabher and Ibert 2005). Rajagopal (2013) adds that the connection may become stronger or even weaker depending on the intention of the individual, therefore, an individual, is the instigator of his/her personal learning networks. Nardi, Whittaker and Schwarz (2002) further explained that for any professional to reap the benefit of networking the following efforts must be made consciously: 1. building connections (by adding new people to the network) 2. maintaining the connections (keeping in touch with relevant others) 3. activating connections with selected persons for the purpose of learning International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 31 Professional networking is a form of informal learning. Caffarella (2002) opine that the motivation to engage in PLN is driven by a desire to achieve specific goals in one’s career. Carter and Nugent (2010) argued that professional networking is better described as a form of incidental learning. Siemens (2005) alludes that professionals now have unlimited access to knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and collaboration because the distinct line between these forms of learning have disappeared with the proliferation of ICTs. Like in any other profession, librarians in Nigeria and elsewhere are confronted with improving their knowledge and skills through various channels in order to keep abreast of developments in the profession, remain relevant, deliver quality information services and overcome challenges arising on the job (Sambo, Igiamoh and Abu-Udenyi, 2014). They recommended that professional bodies such as the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) should render more dynamic activities that would promote knowledge sharing among librarians. Tomaszewski and MacDonald (2009) point that conferences are one of the channels for activating PLN. Conferences provide opportunities to interact socially and professionally with a wide range of peers and colleagues outside one’s workplace (Thomas, 2012). It is a good avenue for individuals to meet other professionals from the same or different area. Growth in technology and media has also provided librarians opportunity to leverage on social media to develop their networks (Olasina, 2011). According to McLoughlin (2016), social media denotes digital tools that support communication and interaction among contacts or colleagues, with whom they need not have met face to face. There are diverse social media tools for developing and maintaining PLNs. These include e mail, blogs, and Social Networking Sites (SNS) such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Ning networks and so forth. Bodell and Hook (2011) maintained that many of the challenges involved in creating an effective personal learning network can be ameliorated by harnessing the power of the online environment. Cooke (2012) observes that Twitter is the most popular social media tool used for PLN. Previous literature show that social media tools help in the creation of spaces for collaboration and sharing, communication, participation, and community commitment (Greenhow, 2011). By leveraging on social media to build PLNs, librarians are able to create a public or semi-public profile and build a list of professional colleagues with whom they share connection (Boyd and Ellison, 2007). Onuoha (2013:136) adds that “social media tools allow users to interact freely share and discuss information using multimedia mix of personal words, pictures, video and audio”. Social media is also capable of allowing new people to connect and maintain relationship (Vermeiren, 2011). On the overall, social media tools make possible synchronous and asynchronous communication, making it suitable for knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas (McLoughlin, 2016). Moreover, Hossain (2017) observed that librarians are able to connect with like-minded colleagues through the use of social media. Such forums allow professionals to share knowledge, exchange professional information, opportunities and ideas. Campana (2014), using qualitative method of research inquiry examined professional networking among professionals in Australia’s digital media industry. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with digital media professionals to understand how they manage their on-going skill and professional development and to explore what role PLN play in their development. The study found that this group of professionals utilised a mixture of online technologies and face-to-face engagement in communities of practice. The author concludes that Facebook is a powerful medium for PLNs, and could be utilised for stimulating professional knowledge, teaching and research practice Chisenga and Chande-Mallya (2012) examined the extent to which library and information professionals in the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) region are using social media applications for professional networking. Findings showed that LIS professionals use social media more for social networking than professional networking purposes. Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and MySpace emerged the most preferred social media applications, with Facebook being the most popular for professional International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 32 networking. The study recommends that library associations, and individuals must embrace social media applications for professional networking Sie et al. (2013) submit that these factors are fundamental to professional networking: sharing, motivation, perceived value of the network, feedback, personal learning, trust and support, peer characteristics and peer value. Rajagopal, Joosten-ten Brinke, Van Bruggen and Sloep (2012) observe that a decision on who to maintain professional connections with is determined by the suitability of the person’s experience or expertise to one’s career. Some other scholars allude that trends in the work environment of the professional; location of the contact; organisation of the contact; and reputation of the individual are cogent in choosing one’s professional learning network (Paulos and Goodman, 2004; Birkinshaw et al., 2007). 2.1 Research Method Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The study population consisted of three hundred and thirty four registered LIS professionals at the Nigerian Libraries Association (NLA) conference held in July, 2017 at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was adopted to choose the study sample of 100 participants. A self-developed structured questionnaire containing thirteen items was used to gather data from respondents. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. Section A sought information on demographic characteristics of respondents. Section B sought information on professional networking among librarians. A 3-point Likert style scale ranging from 3= Regularly; 2= Rarely; 1= Never was used to obtain information on the frequency of use of various channels for building professional networks, and 4 point scale Where 4 = Very important, 3 = Important, 2= Not very important; 1= Not important was used to seek the opinion of respondents on factors that are important in activating a personal learning network. Motivation for engaging in professional network(s) was measured using also a 4 point scale of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree, (A) Disagree (D), Strongly Disagree (SD). The questionnaires were administered at the venue of the conference by the researcher with the help of two research assistants. Data were descriptively analysed including inferential statistics using the SPSS. Results were presented in tables and graphs for ease of interpretation. Out of the 100 copies of the questionnaires administered to librarians, 82 (82%) were returned while 74(74%) were found useful for analysis. 3 Results and Discussion 3.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents Table 1 shows the demographic characteristics of respondents. Findings revealed that majority (20 or 27.0%) of the respondents are in the senior librarian category. In terms of gender distribution, most (59 or 79.7%) of the respondents are females. Less than half (30 or 40.5%) of the respondents are between 36- 45 years. Only 29 or 39.2% of the respondents possessed MLS degree. Most (23 or 31.1%) of the respondents work in Academic libraries, while a few (7 or 9.5%) work in special libraries. On the work experience of the respondents, findings revealed that nearly one third of the respondents (24 or 32.4%) have 16-25 years of work experience. This was followed by those with 5- 15 years work experience constituting 23 or 31.1% of the respondents. International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 33 Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the respondents Variables Category Frequency Percent (%) Designation Head of Library 13 18.0% Deputy Librarian 8 11.0% Senior Librarian 20 27.0% Librarian I 18 24.0% Librarian II 9 12.0% Gender Male 15 20.3% Female 59 79.7% Age Less than 25 years 8 10.8 25-35years 21 28.4 36-45years 30 40.5 46-55years 15 20.3 Educational Qualification BLS 23 31.1 MLS 29 39.2 PhD 8 10.8 Others 14 18.9 Type of library where respondents work National library 22 29.7 Public library 14 18.9 Special library 7 9.5 Academic library 23 31.1 School library 8 10.8 Job experience Less than 5 years 7 9.5 5-15 years 23 31.1 16-25 years 24 32.4 Over 26 years 20 27.0 Figure 1 shows the various platforms librarians leverage upon for professional networking. Respondents gave more importance to formal gatherings (such as conferences, workshops and seminars) as the most preferred channel for building professional learning network. Figure 1: Most preferred channel for building Professional Learning Networks (PLN) International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 34 Analyses showed that more than half of the respondents (58.1%) mostly prefer formal gathering as channel for professional networking. About 20% of the respondents indicated that social media is their most preferred channel for professional networking. This finding corroborates the study by Sambo, Igiamoh and Abu-Udenyi (2014) who found that majority (91%) of librarians prefer workshop and conference attendance as a means of networking with their colleagues. Table 2: Frequency of use of professional networking channels Channels Rarely Always Freq Percentage Freq Percentage 1 Formal gathering such as conference, workshop, seminars 5 7.0 69 93.0 2 Social media applications: a. Facebook 8 11.0 66 89.0 b. Twitter 12 16.0 62 84.0 c. Google groups 54 73.0 20 27.0 d. LinkedIn 30 41.0 44 59.0 e. Skype 18 24.0 56 76.0 f. You Tube 57 77.0 17 23.0 g. Blogs 65 88.0 9 12.0 h. Google+ 42 57.0 32 43.0 i. My space 41 55.0 33 45.0 j. Whatsapp 24 32.0 50 68.0 3 e-mail 24 32.0 50 68.0 The responses in Table 2 show the frequency of use of various professional networking channels. As shown in the table 2, conferences, workshops, and seminars are frequent platforms for professional networking among librarians. In terms of electronic driven networking or social media, Facebook and Twitter are the most used channels. This is consistent with Shih and Pierce (2016) who also found the same media to be very popular among library professionals. Findings in Figure 2 show that as large as 91% of the respondents rated the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) below average in the provision of opportunity for professional networking. Figure 2: Respondents’ Rating of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in provision of opportunity for professional networking International Journal of Information Processing and Communication (IJIPC) Vol. 6 No. 1 , June 2018, pp 29-42 35 The study required respondents to indicate factors that are considered before engaging in professional networking. The identified factors are generally accepted by the respondents (librarians) as shown in Table 3. These factors vary between librarians depending on type of library where they work. Respondents from national library indicated that organisation where the person works with the highest frequency 19 (25.7%) and suitability of the person’s experience to one’s career 18 (24.3%) are of importance. Organisation where the person works, with frequency 13 (17.6%) and suitability of the person’s experience to one’s career (11, 14.9%) emerged important to respondents from public library, while those in special libraries indicated that reputation of the person (7, 9.5%) and organisation where the person works with frequency (6, 8.1%) are of importance. Respondents from academic libraries indicated that people who are passionate about the profession (22, 29.7%) and suitability of the person’s experience to one’s career (19, 27.0%) are of importance, but respondents from school libraries indicated that these two factors are important: organisation where the person works (8, 10.8%) and people with expertise and skills (7, 9.5%). This finding reaffirmed that of previous scholars like Rajagopal et. al (2012) and Paulos and Goodman (2004). Respondents were asked to state reasons for engaging in professional network. The study found that a majority of the respondents agreed that they engage in professional networking for continuing professional development, share information/knowledge, interact with colleagues outside the country, and stimulate research ideas as shown in Table 4. The study also sought for opinions from respondents on reason(s) that would make them stay connected in personal learning network. The results are shown in Figure 3. Most respondents (68 or 92%) were of the opinion that personal motivation derived from contributing their knowledge towards career development of colleagues is sufficient to make them stay connected in the network. This was closely followed by claims such as “it propels me to engage in intellectual pursuits” and “improved status derived from such learning networks”. Figure 3: Reasons for staying connected in professional network Table 3: Factors Considered By Librarians before Engaging In Professional Networking Factors NATIONAL LIBRARY N= 22 PUBLIC LIBRARY N= 14 SPECIAL LIBRARY N=7 ACADEMIC LIBRARY N=23 SCHOOL LIBRARY N=8 IMPT NOT IMPT. IMPT NOT IMPT. IMPT NOT IMPT. IMPT NOT IMPT. IMPT NOT IMPT. Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Freq (%). Freq. (%) Freq. (%) Suitability of the person’s experience to one’s career need 18 (24.3%) 4 (5.4%) 11 (14.9%) 3 (4.1%) 6 (8.1%) 1 (1.4%) 19 (25.7%) 4 (5.4%) 6 (8.1%) 2 (2.7%) Organisation where the person works 19 (25.7%) 3 (4.1%) 13 (17.6%) 1 (1.4%) 5 (6.8%) 2 (2.7%) 20 (27.0%) 3 (4.1%) 8 (10.8%) 0 (0%) One’s own professional interest 12 (16.2%) 10 (13.5%) 7 (9.5%) 7 (9.5%) 5 (6.8%) 2 (2.7%) 9 (12.2%) 14 (18.9%) 3 (4.1%) 5 (6.8%) Trend(s) in work environment 10 (13.5%) 12 (16.2%) 10 (13.5%) 4 (5.4%) 5 (6.8%) 2 (2.7%) 16 (21.6%) 7 (9.5%) 4 (5.4%) 4 (5.4%) People who have ability for mentoring 13 (17.6%) 9 (12.2%) 6 (8.1%) 2 (2.7%) 5 (6.8%) 2 (2.7%) 12 (16.2%) 11 (14.9%) 5 (6.8%) 3 (4.1%) People with expertise and skills 17 (23.0%) 5 (6.8%) 12 (16.2%) 2 (2.7%) 4 (5.4%) 3 (4.1%) 18 (24.3%) 5 (6.8%) 7 (9.5%) 1 (1.4%) Location of the person 0 (0%) 22 (29.7%) 0 (0%) 14 (18.9%) 7 (9.5%) 0 (0%) 8 (10.8%) 15 (20.3%) 0 (0%) 8 (10.8%) Goodwill of the person 13 (17.6%) 9 (12.2%) 7 (9.5%) 7 (9.5%) 0 (0%) 7 (9.5%) 3 (4.1%) 20 (27.0%) 4 (5.4%) 3 (4.1%) People who are innovative 3 (4.1%) 19 (25.7%) 3 (4.1%) 11 (14.9) 1 (1.4%) 6 (8.1%) 3 (4.1%) 20 (27.0%) 1 (1.4%) 7 (9.5%) People who can give me different perspectives about the profession 14 (18.9%) 8 (10.8%) 8 (10.8%) 6 (8.1%) 5 (6.8%) 2 (2.7%) 14 (18.9%) 9 (12.2%) 5 (6.8%) 3 (4.1%) Reputation of the person 17 (23.0%) 5 (6.8%) 12 (16.2%) 2 (2.7%) 7 (9.5%) 2 (2.7%) 18 (24.3%) 4 (5.4%) 6 (8.1%) 2 (2.7%) People who are passionate about the profession 13 (17.6%) 9 (12.2%) 10 (13.5%) 4 (5.4%) 5 (6.8%) 2 (2.7%) 22 (29.7%) 1 (1.4%) 5 (6.8%) 3 (4.1%) People who are noticeable professionally 11 (14.9) 11 (14.9) 2 (2.7%) 12 (16.2%) 2 (2.7%) 5 (6.8%) 4 (5.4%) 17 (23.0) 3 (4.1%) 5 (6.8%) Personal attachment between you and the person 0 (0%) 22 (29.7%) 0 (0%) 14 (18.9%) 0 (0%) 7 (9.5%) 9 (12.2%) 14 (18.9%) 0 (0%) 8 (10.8%) 37 Table 4: Reasons for engaging in professional networking Reasons Response Frequency Percent acquire new skills Agree 55 74.0 Disagree 19 26.0 stimulate research ideas Agree 59 80.0 Disagree 15 20.0 discuss emerging trends in the profession Agree 57 77.0 Disagree 17 23.0 interact with colleagues within the country Agree 53 72.0 Disagree 21 28.0 interact with colleagues outside the country Agree 60 81.0 Disagree 14 19.0 joint authorship Agree 38 51.4 Disagree 36 48.6 continuing professional development Agree 70 95.0 Disagree 4 5.0 keep in touch with professional colleagues Agree 51 69.0 Disagree 23 31.0 share information/knowledge Agree 64 86.5 Disagree 10 13.5 participate in the activities of national library associations Agree 52 70.3 Disagree 22 29.7 participate in the activities of international library associations Agree 22 29.7 Disagree 52 70.3 participate in the activities of special sections of library associations Agree 58 78.4 Disagree 16 21.6 4 Test of Hypotheses 4.1 Hypothesis one There is no variation in factors librarians consider before engaging in professional networking and type of library where they work. Evidence of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed in Table 5 showed that there is variation in factors librarians consider before engaging in professional networking and type of library where they work with F(4, 68) = 11.207; p < 0.05. Table 5: ANOVA on type of library where professionals work and factors necessary for activating professional networking SS df MS F Sig. P Decision Between groups 505.584 4 126.396 11.207 0.000 significant Within groups 766.936 68 11.278 Total 1272.521 72 4.2 Hypothesis two There is no variation in reasons for engaging in professional networking and the type of library where librarians work with F (4, 69) = 13.733; p < 0.05. 38 Table 6: ANOVA on type of library where professionals work and motivations for engaging in professional networking SS df MS F Sig. P Decision Between groups 437.852 4 109.463 13.733 0.000 significant Within groups 549.999 69 7.971 Total 987.851 73 5. Discussion of Findings Findings revealed that librarians give credence to formal gatherings (such as conferences, workshops and seminars) as the most preferred channel for building professional. :Earlier studies by Hankins, Melgoza, Seeger and Wan (2009); Vega and Connell (2009) and Idiegbeyan-Ose, Ohaegbulam and Osayande (2015) pointed that conferences allow librarians to build-up professional network. This finding supports studies carried out by DeLeskey (2003) who found that professionals participate in conferences, workshops and seminars to establish personal learning networks by meeting new people or revitalising existing ties. On the contrary, Gruber (2008) found that librarians also form professional networks with colleagues electronically through listserv, virtual conferences, and other online opportunities. However, Gruber argues that these social media applications should not replace but should complement traditional professional networking channels like conferences. Therefore, it can be inferred from this study that although there are several platforms librarians can leverage upon in engaging in professional networking, opportunities that provide them face to face interaction such as conferences and workshops is irreplaceable. In addition, findings revealed that conferences, workshops, and seminars are frequently used channels for professional networking among librarians. In terms of electronic driven networking or social media, Facebook and Twitter are the most used channels. This is consistent with Shih and Pierce (2016) who also found the same media to be very popular among library professionals. A discovery of innovative use of social media for professional development should be the utmost priority of every librarian (Shih and Pierce, 2016). This is because Social media applications, according to Zijlstra (2015), have intense impact on professional development of individuals in that they allow creation of professional networks. It however surprising to note that this study found just a little above average number of the respondents use LinkedIn for professional networking despite the fact that it is popular ‘professional network’ site with a strong professional focus. The explanation for this could be that Nigerian librarians do not devote ample time to linking up with their colleagues on LinkedIn. It is nevertheless important to point that the ever converging power of technologies and their attendant price reduction can be a reason for as large as 20% of the respondents’ preference for electronic driven networking mode. The relative cheap price for smartphones, proliferation of social media platforms and their possibility across time and space all served to underscore the importance of social media for networking. Social media also have the advantage of adding or providing instantaneous perspectives discussion issues unlike in conferences where time lag can cause issues to become stale. The study found that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) faired below average in providing opportunity for professional networking in the LIS sector. This finding is an indication that the expectations of librarians in engaging in professional networking at local conferences such as those organised by the Nigerian Library Association annually are not being met. Eke (2011) noted that librarians attend conferences so as to learn about professional issues. It then follows that as people participate in conferences to learn about professional issues, they are likely to identify people in the profession who they can freely relate with, and develop a personal learning network. This finding implies that serious attention should be devoted to planning conferences in a manner that librarians at whatever stage of their career can find conferences organised locally, particularly by their professional association pleasing enough in building personal learning networks. From personal observations and private discussion with some colleagues, planning and executions of most programmes appear to be the bane of many of the conferences and seminars by the NLA. Many participants were of the view that innovations will have to be injected into conference planning to accommodate diversity of interests, issues for discussion and bringing the many advantages of technologies to bear on conference planning 39 and delivery. This can be made possible by reducing the volume of paper presentations at the conferences, incorporation of round table discussions, and forum for first time conference attendees sand professional learning network groups can be created at such conferences, with platforms to obtain feedbacks on success stories from such group. On factors considered before librarians engage in personal learning network, findings indicate that organisation where the person works, people with expertise and skills, reputation of the person, and suitability of the person’s experience or expertise to one’s are worth noting. Although, the tactics and skills needed when establishing a professional learning network differ, the underlying factor for building such network is for the individual to have self-direction (Seaman, 2015) by developing clear goals before engaging in PLN. By so doing, identifying other people that will be willing to share such knowledge with them will not be a demanding task. The study revealed that a majority of the respondents agreed that they engage in professional networking for continuing professional development, share information/knowledge, interact with colleagues outside the country, and stimulate research ideas. Although there was unevenness in responses as some respondents in some instances disagreed with the some of the statements, yet this is an indication that professional learning networks provide opportunities for librarians to learn and grow professionally. Librarians, as well as other professional engage in PLN in order to exchange ideas; staying current on research and best practices; collaborate with experts; deriving inspiration to become better on the job; gain access to global connections and find platform for sharing successes, challenges and failures (Trust et al. (2016). Professional networking will continually remain relevant to professionals no matter the contextual background or discipline. Kyndt, Gijbels, Grosemans and Donche (2016) noted that motivation for engaging in professional networks plays vital role in one’s professional achievement. However, the success of any PLN will only be attainable where there is a strong desire to initiate such learning networks, and remain connected with a view to build strong ties with other professionals, their physical location notwithstanding. The study discovered that personal motivation derived from contributing one’s knowledge towards career development of colleagues suffices as a major reason for staying connected in a professional networking. This was closely followed by claims such as “it propels me to engage in intellectual pursuits” and “improved status derived from such learning networks”. This finding is in line with the submission of Rajagopal (2013) that individuals engage in professional networking for knowledge sharing and learning activities. It is therefore not surprising that this study found that knowledge sharing emerged as one of the major motivation for involvement in professional networking among librarians. Further findings revealed that there is dissimilarity in factors librarians consider before engaging in professional networking and type of library where respondents work. Similarly, discrepancy also exists in reasons for engaging in professional networking and type of library where respondents work. Overall, the findings from this study suggested the following implications for professional bodies and policy makers in LIS sector that there is a need to develop appropriate activities and forums that will provide a framework for building and sustaining professional networking among librarians. 6 Conclusion and Recommendation Professional networking is fundamental to building one’s own personal learning network. On the basis of the findings, the study concludes that the Nigeria Library Association which is the umbrella body for librarians in the country should re-evaluate its conference planning and delivery strategy so as to engender new approaches and ideas thereby affording conference attendees derive beneficial networking gains at such conferences. There is also an urgent need for professional bodies and national association for LIS sector to promote initiatives that will further help librarians to constantly strengthen their professional networking experiences and outcomes locally, regionally and internationally. The study recommends a more in-depth examination of professional networking among librarians based on type of library where they work, functional area (e.g. readers’ services, technical services, and automation); geographical location; career stage, and age of librarians. 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