As summer recedes in late August we begin to turn our attention to more serious matters such as fall classes and the world of work. To ease the transition, consider reading one of the many work-related books at the DePaul Library. Here are three new books at the Loop Library that look at work from very different perspectives.
Memoirs provide an intimate understanding of an author, but they can also give us an insider’s view of professions and places of employment. Janet Groth takes us into the publishing world as she reflects on two decades of work in The Receptionist: An Education at the New Yorker. While much has changed since she answered phones at the New Yorker offices from 1957 to 1978, you may find fresh insights from an old story about relationships and meaningful employment, two perennial issues in the workplace. (Loop Library, Call Number: 051 G8814r)
Books about the effects of globalization, technological innovation, and demographic changes on the 21st century workforce are abundant. But the forward-looking book by Alison Maitland and Peter Thomson, Future Work: How Businesses Can Adapt and Thrive in the New World of Work, presents a management model that keeps pace with these changes. Their model emphasizes autonomy and flexibility for employees, with positive outcomes for people, organizations, and the environment. Maitland and Thomson weave together their own research with real-world examples to present a realistic vision for how we work today. (Loop Library, Call Number: 658.301 M2321F)
Movies are a wonderful way to relax from a long day (or week) at the office. They are also a vehicle for transmitting the cultural myths of society. Success is one of the most enduring myths in the United States and while there are many avenues for attaining success, work is a fundamental component of the journey. Julie Levinson explores films that celebrate the classic rags-to-riches story achieved through hard work, and she also analyzes movies that present the pitfalls of success. If the image of Andy Griffith’s character in A Face in the Crowd (1957) on the book cover intrigues you, check out The American Success Myth on Film. (Loop Library, Call Number: 791.430973 L6659A)