The Marketing Office announces the #UPisLit video series

The Marketing Office, under the leadership of Elsabé Olivier, launched a brand new series on their social media channels in June 2021, titled #UPisLit. 

The #UPisLit series constitutes of a one-minute video featuring a University of Pretoria staff member or student reviewing a recent book they have read and enjoyed which is available in any one of the Department of Library Services (DLS) libraries. The goals of #UPisLit videos are:

1. To promote reading
2. To promote literacy
3. To promote the books (fiction and non-fiction) held by University of Pretoria libraries
4. To encourage UP staff and students (and anyone else) to engage with our social media channels.

The book review videos are craftily enhanced by Elaine Marais, the graphic design student working on a contract basis in the Learning Centre. One video has been released each month since June and can still be viewed on our YouTube (@UPLibrary):

• In June, postgraduate student Jordan Stier reviewed The Palm Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola. This video reached 763 people on Instagram and 9 774 people on Facebook.
• In July, postgraduate student Kegan Gaspar reviewed There is An Anger That Moves by Kei Miller. Kegan’s video was the most popular on Instagram and had 206 views on Instagram alone.
• In August, postgraduate student Thiruna Naidoo reviewed Speak no evil by Uzodinma Iweala and reached 4 039 people on Instagram and 3 968 people on Facebook.  

Please try out these recommended books and add yours to the list! Anyone may participate in this project and if you’re interested in sharing your book review (fiction or non-fiction, in any language of your choice) in this video series, please contact Elsabé at [email protected] for the guidelines and useful tips.

During the upcoming National Book Week in September, we are planning to launch one video every weekday and you will notice a few familiar faces there soon!