International experts from Malaysia and Namibia joined Nigerian library leaders to equip more than 160 librarians with strategies for professional branding, ethical conduct, and professional visibility.
Access Replay/Recording here: https://youtu.be/X54jOOatHJY
In today's world, being a skilled librarian isn't enough. People expect credibility—in how we act, speak, and show up. That's why NLA brought us together to talk about it. Recognising this shift, the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) convened librarians and information professionals from across Nigeria and the international community for the third and final session of its 2026 National Webinar Series.
The virtual grand finale, held on Monday, 23 June 2026 attracted more than 160 participants from Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Malaysia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Uganda, Eswatini, and other countries. The session, titled "The Complete Professional: Branding, Conduct, and Visibility for Librarians & Information Professionals," marked the culmination of a three-part webinar series that also featured sessions on emerging library technology skills and strategic communication for media and public relations officers.
NLA President Calls for Complete Professionalism
Opening the webinar, the 23rd President of the Nigerian Library Association, Dr. Lawal Umar, FNLA, said the future of librarianship depends not only on professional competence but also on credibility, ethical conduct, and intentional visibility.
Describing branding, conduct, and visibility as the three pillars of complete professionalism, Dr. Umar urged librarians to become ambassadors of the profession in every sphere of society.
"The complete professional combines knowledge with competence, ethics with integrity, and visibility with meaningful impact. A librarian who is knowledgeable but invisible is underutilised, while one who is visible without professionalism cannot sustain influence."
He noted that every librarian contributes to the public perception of the profession through daily interactions and professional conduct. Dr. Umar also used the opportunity to invite participants to the NLA National Conference and Annual General Meeting scheduled for July 12–17, 2026, in Minna, Niger State.
Malaysian Consultant Emphasises Professional Image Beyond Appearance
The first presentation was delivered by Nurfarawahidah Badruesham (Farah), a Certified Professional Image Consultant and Senior Librarian at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Pahang, Malaysia.
Presenting on "Professional Image for Librarians: Your Brand, Visibility, and Influence," Farah explained that professional image extends well beyond physical appearance.
She introduced participants to her A-B-C-D framework, Appearance, Behaviour, Communication, and Digital Footprint, arguing that excellence in one area cannot compensate for neglect in another.
Farah further discussed the CNN principles of appearance, Clean, Neat, and Neutral, alongside practical guidance on workplace etiquette, digital professionalism, and her 3P + 1Q framework covering Privacy, Punctuality, Personal Questions, and Quality.
Encouraging librarians to exercise greater discretion online, she reminded participants that not everything belongs on social media.
"Be the best version of yourself with consistent action. Be real, be genuine, and be consistent."
First Impressions Shape Professional Relationships
The second presentation was delivered by Melba Mabuko-Sitwala, University Librarian at the International University of Management (IUM), Namibia, and President of the National Information Workers Association of Namibia (NIWAN).
Speaking on "The First 30 Seconds: How First Impressions Drive Effective Library Service Delivery," she argued that professionalism begins long before technical expertise is demonstrated.
She described first impressions as "the emotional residue that people feel in the first few seconds of meeting you," emphasizing that librarians have complete control over how they present themselves.
Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou's famous reflection that people may forget what was said or done but never how they were made to feel, she encouraged participants to cultivate integrity, accountability, respect, and excellence in every professional interaction.
Melba also shared practical lessons from her own career, explaining how consistent professionalism had opened opportunities for research collaborations, partnerships, leadership positions, and her appointment as an SDG Advocate. She cautioned against behaviours such as excessive phone use, poor posture, and unwelcoming service environments, urging librarians to "show up with intentionality" in every interaction.
Library Leaders Reflect on Professional Visibility
The webinar also featured a fireside conversation on the role of professional associations in developing complete professionals.
Former NLA President, Alhaji Rilwanu Abdussalam, CLN, FNLA, reflected on more than four decades in librarianship, stressing that visibility, advocacy, mentorship, and continuous learning remain essential to career growth. According to him, professional relevance is earned through consistent preparation, competence, and active participation within and beyond the library.
LRCN Registrar, Ambassador Jafar Abdullahi Wase, also joined—underscoring the regulator's commitment to professional standards.
International Participation Indicates Global Relevance
The three-hour webinar maintained high levels of engagement through live polls and interactive question-and-answer sessions moderated by Nerisa Kamar of Kenya, Founder of Information Africa, and Sylvester Ebhonu, National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Library Association.
Poll responses indicated that many librarians struggle to balance technical competence with professional image, while a considerable number believed their expertise had at times been overlooked because of how they were perceived. The findings affirm the central message that professional success depends not only on knowledge but also on how that knowledge is communicated and presented.
Participants also shared positive feedback throughout the session.
One participant described the webinar as "highly impactful" and expressed an intention to apply the lessons to strengthen personal branding, while another said the programme had revitalised their understanding of professional identity.
A Shared Commitment to Professional Excellence
Across the presentations and discussions, speakers consistently emphasised that professionalism is holistic, encompassing appearance, behaviour, communication, ethics, and responsible digital engagement.
They encouraged librarians to pursue continuous self-improvement, invest in meaningful professional relationships, strengthen their research visibility, and intentionally build personal brands capable of advancing both individual careers and the wider profession.
Closing the webinar, Dr. Umar expressed appreciation to the international speakers, moderators, organisers, and participants for contributing to the success of the series.
He encouraged participants to translate the lessons into practical action.
"Today we have the antidote. The remedy is before us from all the speakers; how to improve ourselves, how to become competitive in the information environment, build strong professional brands, uphold the highest standards of ethics, and make our impact visible."
In her closing reflection, Melba Mabuko-Sitwala reminded participants that professional growth is a continuous journey.
"Above all, be kind to yourself. Remember that we are a work in progress. Continue improving yourself, be intentional with how you present yourself, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to create a lasting positive impression."
The webinar concluded the NLA's 2026 National Webinar Series, with participants encouraged to continue the conversations at the Association's National Conference and Annual General Meeting in Minna, Niger State, where librarians from across Nigeria and beyond will gather to advance professional development and strengthen the future of librarianship.
For more information about NLA programs and upcoming events, visit the official NLA website or follow the association on social media. Conference Registration: events.nla.org.ng
Media Contact: Sylvester Ebhonu, National Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Library Association