Founded and directed by Dr. Dene Grigar, the Electronic Literature Lab (ELL) contains over
80 vintage Macintosh & PC computers, dating back from 1977, vintage software,
peripherals, and a library of over 300 works of electronic literature and other media.
ELL's activities focus on curation, documentation, preservation, conservation, and
production of born-digital art, literature, and video games. It has created and continues
to manage the ELO's The
NEXT and supports video game R&D through CMDC Studios.
One of the only spaces of its type in the world, The Reading Room is the location where visitors interested in born- digital art, literature, and games can access historical media on one of the 30 functioning vintage computers that date back to 1983.
The Archives Room
Physical archives belonging to or managed by the Electronic Literature Organization and are processed and held in The Archives Room. Digitalizing as well as cataloging materials take place in this space. The space is also used for processing the physical archives in The Dene Grigar Collection.
The Studio
Equipped with sound and video tools, The Studio hosts live Traversals, artists talks, and interviews relating to born-digital art, literature, and games. The space includes computers, mixing boards, speakers, microphones, and a large-screen monitor.
Our Story
ELL has been founded for the purpose of studying the curation, preservation, and
production of born digital literary works and other media that are participatory,
interactive, and experiential. At the heart of what we do is care for the digital objects
that reflect human expression and creativity, ensuring that they remain accessible to the
public and sustainable over time.
What's new in ELL
James Lesperance Selected for a WSU Vancouver Undergraduate Research Fellows Award
The project funded by the award, "Programming a Method for Documenting NetProv," will
provide funding for Lesperance to program a custom data visualization for Rob Wittig's
seminal NetProv Grace, Wit, and Charm (2011) that will serve as a
proof-of-concept for documenting many other NetProv works by the author and others
involved in the art form.
Our Research
Our work ranges from innovations to archival practices, experimenting with publishing
methodologies, and rethinking preservation techniques. Our research output includes
traditional publications like books and articles but also exhibition curation, museum
design, and translation media.
Our Team
The lab's many talented designers, programmers, 2D animators and 3D modelers, videographers,
and social
media specialists are all alums from Creative Media & Digital Culture at
Washington State University Vancouver. Many begin their careers as paid interns in the lab
and stay on to take up leadership roles after they graduate with their B.A. Some take the
skills they learn and land excellent jobs in industry.
