Sounds like a neat idea. I wonder if you could get electrical engineering students to build DIY sensors from kits and make a real educational project out of it. 


Peter

On May 1, 2012, at 3:51 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]