I think with cheap yet fully capable computers like the Raspberry Pi
[1] it opens up all sorts of possibilities for collecting data on and
interacting in spaces. I hope we'll see more of this kind of
experimentation. Since they're cheap it'll be easy to embed them all
over the place.

Now if only the RPi I ordered on the first day would just get here
already, so I can start playing with it.

Jason

[1] http://www.raspberrypi.org/

On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 3:39 PM, Ellen K. Wilson
<[log in to unmask]> 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.
>
> --
> Ellen Knowlton Wilson
> Instructional Services Librarian
> Room 250, University Library
> University of South Alabama
> 5901 USA Drive North
> Mobile, AL 36688
> (251) 460-6045
> [log in to unmask]