One of the longest-serving female employees at UP shares her thoughts on choosing UP, and why we commemorate Women’s Month.

Elsabé Olivier's friendly personality is well known to anyone who’s worked with the Library Services Department over the past 20 years or more. Meet the Assistant Director who’s also one of the longest-serving female employees at UP.

Please tell us more about your background and time at UP?

I hold a teacher's degree, along with two library qualifications, and began my professional journey in the field of education. My career path led me to academic libraries, starting at the UNISA library and later at the Onderwyskollege Pretoria at Groenkloof. I was appointed at the University of Pretoria in October 2001, however, my association with the institution began back in 1993 when I joined the Onderwyskollge Pretoria as an information specialist. This tenure spans almost two decades, and if we consider my time at the Groenkloof campus, it extends beyond 30 years. I assumed my current role in February 2013, and I have been operating in this capacity since then.

What attracted you to UP?

What drew me to UP was the immense potential for personal and professional growth. Over the years I've had the privilege of participating in various courses that have allowed me to refine my skills. Additionally, I've had the honour of representing the University of Pretoria at both national and international conferences, showcasing our institution on a global platform.

Why do we celebrate Women’s Month?

Women's Month serves as a tribute to womanhood and honours the maternal contributions to a nation's progress. Women wield a pivotal role in shaping society, and it is imperative that their presence and influence be significantly acknowledged in various spheres, including management positions.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

The dynamic blend of variety and teamwork is what truly captivates me in my role. As a marketer, the landscape is ever-changing, encompassing an array of responsibilities. This constant evolution keeps monotony at bay, ensuring that each day brings new challenges and pressing deadlines, eliminating any chance of complacency. Moreover, the camaraderie within my small yet vibrant team holds immense significance. Comprising a compact group of creative minds – one full-time permanent staff member alongside two marketing students from UP contributing on a part-time basis – this all-women team exudes ingenuity and clever thinking. Collaborating with them has been a rewarding journey, one that entails not only the sharing of insights but also constant learning.

What does your day-to-day role entail?

My role encompasses a diverse range of strategic domains, including marketing, statistics, business intelligence, quality management, as well as fundraising. A significant aspect of my role involves the comprehensive marketing efforts for the Department of Library Services, which encompasses the promotion of its 9 libraries, distinctive spaces like the MakerSpace, Learning Centre, and Research Commons, as well as its resources and ancillary services like binding services. Additionally, I am the editor of our library publications, managing both the library newsletter and the Annual Review. I also coordinate our social media content, synchronise information dissemination for all library events and news updates, and coordinate visiting groups, enhancing their experiences. I also serve as the custodian of quality in the Department of Library Services by initiating, coordinating, and managing activities such as quality surveys aimed at ensuring that quality is engrained in all products and services within the library. Last, but not least, I spearhead fundraising efforts, a particularly challenging endeavour given the prevailing economic climate.

What would you like to improve in your section/department, and why?

I hold the perspective that the appointment of a dedicated full-time marketer would be a valuable step forward. This individual would focus on the intricate realms of graphic design and social media management. The creation of captivating social media content, including engaging posts and compelling reels, demands a substantial investment of time and effort. By bringing in a full-time staff member solely dedicated to these tasks, we can effectively allocate the necessary resources to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality and attention-grabbing content.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

Navigating the constraints of a limited marketing budget and addressing the expectations of staff members pose significant challenges. Balancing the financial realities with the aspirations for effective marketing is intricate. Quality marketing initiatives inherently demand resources, and a robust budget is pivotal for achieving impactful outcomes. This predicament is compounded by the need to align staff expectations with the practicalities of resource allocation. Finding the equilibrium between these demands is undoubtedly one of the more challenging aspects of my role.

What do you do in your free time?

I love cooking, baking, entertaining, reading, and motorcycling. I also believe in an active lifestyle, and love walking and tandem cycling with my husband. I am also a professional vacation planner! Continuously fuelled by my desire to explore new destinations, I am perpetually planning the next exciting getaway.

What are your personal likes and dislikes?

I like people who are honest, kind, authentic, and respectful. I dislike all manifestations of dishonesty, hypocrisy, bullying, and discrimination.

Quick quiz:

Sport: Rugby and tennis (watching), tandem cycling and walking (doing).

Food: I’m a foodie – I love to eat and cook, and enjoy everything. If I have to choose, I’d say fillet with a mushroom sauce and vegetables.

Movies: Schindler's List, Les Misérables, The Book Thief, Sophie's Choice, Life Is Beautiful, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, Gone with the Wind, and The Sound of Music.

Actors: No-one specific.

Musician: Seal, Mike & the Mechanics, Toto, Moody Blues, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Bread, The Cars, to mention but a few.

All-time hero: My mother. Her unwavering strength, diligent work ethic, and boundless love made her an extraordinary mother. Her profound influence has left an indelible mark on my life.