An Online Writing Lab (usually called an OWL) is often an extension of a university Writing Center. Online writing labs offer help to students and other writers by providing literacy materials, such as handouts and slide presentations. Writers may also submit questions electronically for feedback. Many OWLs are open to people unaffiliated with the specific institution. Online writing labs play an important part in writing center assistance because they allow writers to use some of the center’s resources remotely. Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, launched the first OWL in 1994. The International Writing Center Association (IWCA) maintains an updated list of OWLs.
OWL History
In 1976, Purdue University established its Writing Lab, a campus-based service designed to assist learners in their writing processes. Outreach from the Purdue Writing Lab began with a collection of paper-based resources physically mailed to users as they contacted the Writing Lab requesting information on writing, citation, or research. Later, these resources became available electronically through GOPHER, a precursor to the World Wide Web. The Purdue Writing Lab launched its OWL on the Internet in 1994. Having made its library of resources available electronically, the Purdue OWL is now accessed by millions of users worldwide.
