I have always thought "Roving Reference" was somewhat obtrusive (as a patron, in fact the public library in charlotte tried such a trial a few years ago: it didn't work very well). I think the whole RFID/NFC thing could work well. A common dream is the ablity to check out books simply by walking out, but it doesn't scale well (technical and physical limitations). What if, when you had your watch on, it could act as an NFC/RFID reader to add books to a cart and then an iBeacon- type thing could detect you leaving with your Smartphone to check out the books in your virtual cart as you left. But I don't think the uptake in smart watches will be as strong as some are prediciting, for several people I know the WOW factor wore off quickly. For now *I* am happy with my Timex IronMan, which has done a really great job at telling time for the last 5 years. Maybe there might be a use in loaning out the watches at the library entry to permit the functionality we want (of course a lower cost device). 
Just my $.02
//Riley

--
Riley Childs
Senior
Charlotte United Christian Academy
IT Services Administrator
Library Services Administrator
web: rileychilds.net
twitter: @RowdyChildren
cell: +1 (704) 497-2086
office: +1 (704) 537-0331 x101
lync: [log in to unmask] (select external contact)

-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Cornel Darden Jr
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 7:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Library Services on Small Devices (like Watches): Discuss

Hello,

At this point in my career I'm totally sold on the idea of getting rid of the reference desk and iRoving. At the libraries I've worked at(4 community colleges) iRoving was very suitable, however I think that every library is different. 

One of the issues we've found with a complete iRoving solution to reference is: "where is the librarian." With convergence, mapping and geolocation, and devices like a smart watch; This becomes more possible. 

I could also imagine using it as a library card and for self-check out via a library app. The Augmented reality possibilities along with some possibilities in conjunction with a 3D printer comes to mind. 

I like the idea of shelf reading and pushing call numbers too. The phone seems to be getting pushed to its holder, pocket, or purse; and serving as the processing hub for wearables. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 9, 2014, at 2:55 PM, McDonald, Stephen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Interesting question.
> 
> What if future devices could interact with local wireless systems to questions relevant to the local services, which can respond to questions like Siri, such as:
> 
> "Where is the bathroom?"
> "I want a librarian"
> "Where are books on metaphysics?"
> "Is a study room available?"
> "When does the library close?"
> 
> The device checks with local servers to see whether the question can be answered locally, before checking more globally.
> 
>                    Steve McDonald
>                    [log in to unmask]