The DALN collects narratives ranging in formats and composition styles to include traditional and unconventional self-exploratory mediums such as video essays, drawings and written narratives.
[1] In 2005, Cynthia Selfe, H. Lewis Ulman, and Scott DeWitt at Ohio State University began development of the DALN with the purpose of creating and preserving a diverse and accessible collection of personal narratives.
[2] While most visitors to the site are from the United States, the DALN has developed a worldwide audience, and as of 2021[update], there were over 8,000 submissions from countries on six of seven continents.
[3] With origins in writing studies research, its creators sought to capture the development of narratives, to challenge notable definitions of literacy, and create a dynamic way for collaborators, readers and researchers to interact.
[3] In recent years DALN has been implemented in writing studies courses, with the intent of promoting literacy through personal inquiry.