Ellen,

Sounds fun. 

I'd start with an Arduino + temperature sensor
http://www.ladyada.net/learn/sensors/tmp36.html

You'd need other kit to get it to a webserver, which this video covers nicely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A7coLAUyfQ&feature=player_embedded


Chad Nelson
Web Services Programmer
University Library
Georgia State University

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________________________________________
From: Code for Libraries [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Ellen K. Wilson [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 3:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CODE4LIB] whimsical homepage idea

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
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