by Lynne McCay, Washington DC Chapter, ENCORE Convener-Elect

Encore! Encore! When I was performing on stage (my “other life” during my earliest years as a librarian), the sound of “Encore!” was thrilling and delicious. With that one little word the audience could express appreciation, joy, enthusiasm, and a plea for “more!” That’s the way I now look at my life in retirement—each day is a joy and an opportunity to do more.

Those who are just starting out in their careers might think of an “encore performance” as being far too distant, when actually we can all treat every day as an “encore.” We all have the opportunity every day to repeat or build on the good work from the day before. Many among us are pursuing librarianship as an “encore” profession and using the skills and talents of “earlier lives” to enrich our roles as information professionals. Some of us are nearing the end of Act 2 (or Act 3!) and beginning to write the script for an “encore performance.” And some of us—like me—are reveling in this unique state in life which appreciates, enjoys, and enthusiastically embraces each day that is new, and fresh, and different—and somehow “more.”

Most of the posts on this blog have been about being “Future Ready” professionally and they have provided useful tips and thoughtful insights. After thoroughly enjoying a most satisfying 40-year career as an information professional, I encourage you to be “Future Ready” personally as well—whatever tomorrow brings. It really is never too late. I will spend tomorrow teaching my 88-year old mother how to use her first computer. She is thrilled with the prospect of learning new ways of connecting with a wider “audience” and all I can say is, “Encore! Bravo! Encore!”

Lynne McCay retired on June 30, 2010 after 40 years of federal service with the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.  Lynne is a 30-year member of SLA currently serving on the Finance Committee and the Diversity Leadership Development Program Committee.  She will follow Susan Fifer Canby as convener of the Encore caucus in January 2012.