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Why electronic literature has ushered in a new paradigm of knowledge

Robert (Bobby) Arellano is a professor of Emerging Media and Design at Southern Oregon University. Scott Rettberg is a professor of Digital Culture at the University of Bergen and author of "Electronic Literature"
1859 Oregon's Magazine (Ezra Marcos photo) and University of Bergen
Robert (Bobby) Arellano is a professor of Emerging Media and Design at Southern Oregon University. Scott Rettberg is a professor of Digital Culture at the University of Bergen (Norway) and author of the ward-winning book, "Electronic Literature."

Think about the limitations of physical books. They contain stories and information. Books have ways of organizing chapters and a table of contents, even an index. We place them in libraries and physically search for books that contain information relative to our interests.

But electronic literature can take knowledge to the next level. E-books can feature hyperlinks to connect to other sections in the book or external websites. They can integrate with multimedia, voice recordings, AI interactivity, reader commentaries, dictionaries, and more.

The labyrinth of information a reader can access from a single access point via electronic literature is unlimited. The instructions on how to navigate the labyrinth are also included in the labyrinth. That's much more than a book.

Joining the Exchange to help us make sense of the new paradigm of electronic literature are two guests:

Scott Rettberg is Director of the Center for Digital narrative at the University of Oregon, a co-founder of the Electronic Literature Organization and author of "Electronic Literature."

Robert (Bobby) Arellano is a professor of Emerging Media and Design at Southern Oregon University.

SOU Professor Bobby Arelleno, JPR host Mike Green and University of Bergen Professor Scott Rettberg, author of "Electronic Literature"
Photo by JPR Senior Producer Natalie Golay
SOU Professor Bobby Arellano, JPR host Mike Green and University of Bergen Professor Scott Rettberg, author of "Electronic Literature"

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Mike Green is host of the Jefferson Exchange. Mike has lived in Southern Oregon for more than two decades. He is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience in media, specializing in media innovation, inclusive economics and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Golay is the Senior Producer of the Jefferson Exchange. She has a B.A. in Visual Arts, a multimedia certificate from the Vancouver Film school, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. A communications professional for over 20 years, Natalie is a natural storyteller with extensive audio and video production skills.