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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]