The Red Guide to Temp Agencies

Tips for Temps: The Temp's Bookshelf

This is a list of books that may be of interest to temps.

I am starting it with several books I found in the reference section of the Mid-Manhattan Library's Job Information Center. If you know of a book which you feel should be put on the list, please send me email at grvsmth@panix.com.

1. Humphrey, Paul. 1982. How to Run Your Own Employment Agency. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books. JIC REF 331.128 H.

   This looks like it was written in 1972. As the title suggests, it's mostly a guide for those of us rich enough to start our own temp agencies.

2. Justice, Peggy O'Connell. 1994. The Temp Track: Make One of the Hottest Job Trends in of the 90s Work for You. Princeton: Peterson's. JIC/BUS REF 331.2572 J

   This is written in a dry, manual-ish style, with very little personality as compared with the Mendenhall and Deborahann Smith books. On the other hand, it's chock full of lists, tables and diagrams, so it should be quick reading.

3. Mendenhall, Karen. 1993. Making the Most of the Temporary Employment Market. Cincinnati: Betterway. JIC 650.14 M.

   Written by a "professional temp," and mainly aimed at temps, with a few comments about how temping can be fun and encouraging employers not to be ashamed of using temps. Mendenhall has an easy, personal style and is full of hints for prospective temps.

4. Smith, Deborahann. 1994. Temp: How to Survive and Thrive in the World of Temporary Employment. Boston: Shambhala. JIC REF 650.14 S.

   Looks similar to the Mendenhall book, a guide from one temp to others, with personal experiences and hints.

5. Smith, Demaris C. Temporary Employment: The Flexible Alternative. White Hall, VA: Betterway. JIC REF 650.14 S.

   Approaches the situation from the point of view of temps, agencies and clients. Includes sections such as "What the Employer Expects from the Temporary."

6. Thrailkill, Diane. 1994. Temp By Choice. Hawthorne, NJ: Career Press.

   Detailed information on how to register and how to start a job in the middle, among other things.

7. Hassett, Brian. 1997. The Temp Survival Guide.

   Easy and entertaining to read while providing good information and advice, particularly for those just beginning to look into the temp industry. Reviewed by Bridget Persons.