The University of Michigan’s OWL (Online Writing and Learning) is a resource for writing students at the University of Michigan. Others may access the services provided by the OWL; however, priority is given to University of Michigan students. The site includes an explanation of services provided, including access to reference and writing resource materials available over the Internet and at the University of Michigan, peer review of papers submitted by e‐mail, and an explanation of in‐person assistance with locations and schedules.
The University of Michigan’s OWL is a well‐organized resource. OWLs have become an increasingly popular way for Writing Centers at colleges and universities to provide service to students, especially to those who may not be able to travel to campus. The University of Michigan’s OWL follows the pattern of many of these Online Writing Labs by providing web access to resources and an e‐mail link to peer tutors. Although it does not provide any unique services, it does offer the basic services one would expect of a writing lab; and it makes them easy to access and to use.
Navigation of the OWL is simple. Buttons are located on the left side of each page and repeated within each layer of the site so that one may navigate between sections from any page on the site. Each page is clearly defined. The layout and design is aesthetically pleasing. Available services are clearly explained and directions for using them are easy to follow.
The one area which could use improvement is the “Resources” section. Resources are currently divided into four location‐specific pages. It would be more helpful if this initial link from the “Resources” button was to subject‐specific materials rather than location‐specific. For example, the resources compiled by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab are clearly labeled as “Resources for Writers” and “Resources for Teachers”, both of which are sub‐divided into specific types of tools. This makes for easy access to resources of interest to each group.
Similar materials are available on the University of Michigan OWL. However, it is not until navigating through the hierarchy of locations listed within the Resources section that one comes across them. In addition, two different sets of links to University of Michigan resources are provided: one to University of Michigan sites and one to Writing@umich.edu. While the latter address is in the form of an e‐mail address, it is in fact a URL to additional writing resources at the University of Michigan. This is a potential source of confusion; it is not clear why they are divided into two different sites located at the same institution. Further, since it appears that both sites are maintained by the English Composition Board, it would be less confusing and represent better organization in terms of eliminating overlap if the two were merged and the resources divided by subject.
I recommend The University of Michigan OWL with reservations. Although well‐organized and easily navigable, the site does not provide any unique services for those outside of the University. If one is searching for writing‐related resources or help guides, one would be better served by one of the more established writing centers such as the Purdue Online Writing Laboratory or the Writing Center at the University of Illinois. In addition, it should be noted that priority for peer tutoring is given to University of Michigan students.
