AfLIA 2023 Hybrid Conference
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Why virtual? What happened to AfLIA’s in-person conference?
In light of on-going developments with COVID-19 crisis, especially the second wave of the pandemic, and after thoughtful considerations by Governing Council of AfLIA to ensure the safety and well-being of our prospective participants and exhibitors, partners, and employees, the 5th AfLIA Conference and 7th African Library Summit has transitioned to a fully online, virtual experience. We are excited that a virtual event makes it possible to broaden the learning opportunities and engagement with the world of library and information science, at this time.
Who can attend the virtual conference?
AfLIA’s conferences are the biggest forum for LIS professionals and practitioners in Africa. The 5th AfLIA Conference and 7th African Library Summit welcomes participation from all LIS leaders, LIS practitioners, LIS educators, LIS policy makers, Young and emerging LIS leaders, students as well as Organisations and Professionals working in partnership with African libraries.
What is the theme of the 5th AfLIA Conference and 7th African Library Summit?
This year’s conference theme is “Fourth Industrial Revolution, sustainable development and African libraries“. Click here to get more details about theme and sub-themes of the conference.
Is the conference schedule available?
Details will be posted on the conference page as they are confirmed. A full conference schedule, including conference sessions, will be available on the website latest end of April, 2023.
What will the conference entail?
A variety of exciting activities and thought-provoking sessions will characterize the virtual conference including paper and poster presentations, ignite talks, panel discussions, interviews, breakout sessions, motivational sessions, in-conference and pre-conference workshops as well as virtual exhibitions. Check out the conference schedule for the full listing of sessions here.
Virtual exhibitions? How will conference attendees access e-booths of exhibitors?
Yes!! The 5th Conference as an Association and the 7th African Library Summit will provide a convenient, exciting and interactive online space for exhibitors where all conference participants can access. The exhibit hall will be open throughout the conference, but there will be special times that is dedicated to the exhibit hall. Special times have further been alloted for exhibitors to directly engage with conference participants in the virtual auditorium.
Check the last section of the Conference Announcement page for more details.
What options are available for conference exhibition and sponsoring?
For all information on the exciting packages for conference exhibition and sponsoring, please click here.
How much do I need to pay for registration?
Our conference participation fees have been significantly discounted to give opportunity for as many interested attendees to connect, share, learn and network.
Conference Fees are as follows:
| Conference Participants [IN PERSON] | Registration between January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023 Members of AfLIA $400.00 Non-members $500.00 |
| Conference Participants [IN PERSON] | On Site registration (Late registration) Members of AfLIA $450.00 Non-members $550.00 |
| Conference Participants [VIRTUAL] | Registration between January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023 Members of AfLIA $200 Non-members $250 |
| Conference Participants [VIRTUAL] | Late registration (After March 31, 2023) Members of AfLIA $250.00 Non-members $300.00 |
I want to benefit from the member rate. Who can I contact if I want to become a Member?
Our doors are always open to receiving new members as we join hands to positively shape cause of librarianship on the African continent. For membership information and registration, please feel free to contact our membership officer at membership@aflia.net for the necessary assistance. Please note that to receive membership discount, your membership dues must be received with or prior to your registration.
Do I have to present at the conference to attend?
Absolutely not! AfLIA welcomes attendance by all LIS leaders, LIS practitioners, LIS educators, LIS policy makers, Young and emerging LIS leaders, students as well as Organisations and Professionals working in partnership with African libraries, regardless of their participation in conference sessions. To register, please visit here
What am I entitled as a conference participant?
All conference participants will have complete access to all virtual sessions and presentations, discussions, plenary and concurrent sessions, breakout sessions occurring over the period of the virtual conference as well as to the recorded sessions after the fact.
A virtual conference is a great idea! But what if I experience technical difficulties during the conference?
Don’t panic! Due to the nature of virtual events, we fully expect that will be there questions and various technical issues throughout the conference. Feel free to reach us at afliacomm@aflia.net if you ever need any assistance before or during the conference. If you happen to miss your session due to unsolvable technical issues, you will definitely have access to the recorded version.
How long will presentations run?
Paper and poster presentations will run between 10-15 minutes long depending on the number of panelists. Ignite talks will run for maximum 5 minutes. Learn more about the conference schedule, sessions and time allocations from here.
Any room for registration cancellation and refund?
Written requests for registration refunds must be postmarked fourteen (14) days before the commencement of the virtual conference. Cancellations submitted within the allowable time frame will be refunded less the refund processing fee. Registration substitutions from the same institution are accepted.
What time zone will the conference sessions be streamed or shown?
The AfLIA Secretariat is located in Accra, Ghana located within the Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT) time zone. Thus, all sessions will take place within the GMT time zone. Please convert times indicated in the conference schedule to your local time to know when to connect for a session.
May I register for a single day at a reduced rate?
Unfortunately, no! Session-based, time-based, day-based registration is not permitted for the AfLIA Conference 2023. To encourage sufficient audience attendance for all presentations and give attendees the opportunity to enjoy the rich intellectual experience that the conference will offer, AfLIA insists that all attendees register for the entire conference. Click here for more information on conference fees.
Will the conference accept advertising in its conference program? If so, what are the rates?
Yes, there are number of advertising opportunities and slots for all interested exhibitors and sponsors in the conference program. More details about advertising rates and order forms can be shared upon request. If interested, kindly send us a mail at: secretariat@aflia.net
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Certificates of attendance will be available for all conference participants via email following the conference.