About the Lab
The University of Victoria Libraries' Historic Computing Lab is home to a collection of older computers, software, and documentation, supporting research and instruction in areas such as Media Studies, Digital Preservation, and the Histories of Computing. The Lab is managed by Librarian John Durno, and operates under the auspices of the Kula Library Futures Academy.
The collection focusses primarily on microcomputers from the 1980s and 1990s, but also includes computers from the 1960s & 70s, and some from more recent eras. It is particularly strong in the areas of Apple/MacIntosh computers, Commodore computers, and IBM PC compatibles, but also includes examples of Atari, NeXT, and Tandy equipment, among others. Although not all of the computers are fully functional, the equipment is for use, not display. Lab facilities support a range of scholarly initiatives including an ongoing project to recover and restore thousands of early Canadian (Telidon) computer graphics.
The collection has been in development since 2016, moving to its current location in Mearns/McPherson in 2019. Over the years items from the collection have been featured in a variety of exhibitions, events, student projects, and workshops. Lab equipment also supports the recovery of data from older computing media in the collection of the University of Victoria Special Collections and Archives, and has been used to recover data for other publicly funded organizations on Vancouver Island and further afield.
Visiting
Everyone is welcome. The lab is located in Room 080 on the lower level of the Mearns/McPherson Library. Access is via appointment, typically during normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm). Please contact hclab@uvic.ca to book a time.
Donating
Due to space constraints, our ability to accept equipment donations is unfortunately quite limited. As of 2025, we are mainly interested in acquiring historic game consoles and computer games, and items of regional or national historic interest. If you would like to inquire about donating, please contact us at hclab@uvic.ca