You could nail digital thermometers up and point webcams at them then 
run that through OCR.
( sorry, I was thinking about what might actually get approved in the 
budget...)
:)
Paul

On 5/1/2012 3:39 PM, Ellen K. Wilson wrote:
> This is really more of a thought experiment than an actual project, but
> I thought some people might get a kick out of it - maybe someone has
> even done it.
>
> We are in the process of redesigning our library homepage. During the
> fall semester we had a team of freshmen CIS students do a basic
> usability and design service learning project and we are now
> incorporating as much of their feedback as possible. We'd like to be as
> student-centric as possible.
>
> This got me thinking about the top two suggestions in the library's
> feedback box - 1) we want a coffee shop and 2) it's too cold/hot in the
> library. I figure I covered number one by throwing in some Javascript on
> the page (*groan*) but I see an opportunity with the second one. We do
> have microclimates within the library, so while it may be hot on 3N,
> chances are good it's freezing on 4S. Given that actually fixing this is
> beyond the library's control, what if we put wireless temperature
> sensors throughout the building and displayed their readings on the
> library homepage?
>
> So, if one were to attempt this:
> -How would you go about it? (hardware- or software-wise)
> -Could it be done for cheap?
> -Would it be OCLC-approved?
>
> Best regards,
> Ellen
>
> DISCLAIMER: The a/c is out in the library (again) and I think the high
> temperatures in my office may be frying my brain.
>