The Shifted Librarian is thinking about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for libraries. RFIDs work by sticking little chips on things you want to track. When exposed to the right radio signal, a chip broadcasts a little bit of data for a short distance. Really big in logistics where they want to eliminate all sorts of time spent on inventory, statusing, and clipboards.

My paranoid fantasy...

So we stick RFID tags in every book, starting at the publisher; ISBN Inside(TM). I check out of the library and go about my life.

I'm walking down the street and get scanned. The police are scanning the street for people carrying the Anarchist's Cookbook. Cult members accost me because I'm carrying Judaica. Merchants tailor signage. Republicans stone me. Beggars ask for more money.

These are books inside my knapsack, my pocket, my car; hidden from view.  

If the books I'm carrying are hooked up to my mobile phone profile, you might get just-in-time book salons and lunch meetings. Lovely Smart Mobs stuff.

But privacy doesn't stop at the library doors.

Just something to consider.