WS want an online sign-out system for some equipment that students can borrow. Parameters:
1. Students must use their Netlink ID to access the booking system, and provide name, email address and phone number. We need department access to names, emails and phone nos. of students reserving equipment, but of course this info can't be public.
2. The system will be password protected.
3. Others must be able to see if the equipment is available or not. If a student selects a particular time slot, then completes the other required info (name, email, phone), that time slot should show "Reserved" to other users.
4. Booking time slots are 8:30-12:20 and 12:30-4:20 weekdays, plus 4:30-8:15 the following morning.

The technologies used would be:
an .htaccess file on folder(s) to restrict access
mysql database to store the data
ajax or php to communicate with the database and create the calendar the user sees
xhtml for the static elements in the web page
css to style the elements on the page

Because 1) this is an administrative project (as opposed to research or instructional one), 2) I can't readily see how it would have wider application to others in the faculty, and 3) it doesn't use any novel technology or techniques, I doubt the HCMC could provide development time for it. On the other hand, because the nature of the task is fairly conventional, it should not be hard to find a private contractor able to do this. The HCMC would be willing to help write the specs and hire that person.

Wrote back with this info and short description of components of implementation.