The Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR) formally launched the International Repository Directory (IRD) on July 8, 2025, establishing a central source of verified information about repositories worldwide. The IRD is designed to serve as an accurate and up-to-date reference point for the global repository landscape, supporting the growing demand for open science practices and the development of value-added services that rely on open repository content.
Distinct from other registry platforms, the COAR IRD operates on a community-curated model. Instead of relying on a centralized directory team to maintain entries, COAR assigns curation responsibilities to designated Responsible Organizations (ROs). These organizations—often national-level entities with a direct stake in the accuracy of repository data—are expected to maintain current records within their jurisdictions. COAR anticipates that this distributed model will address longstanding issues of outdated or obsolete entries that have hindered other directories in scholarly communication.
The July 8 launch was presented as a soft rollout, featuring a live demonstration of the IRD for COAR member institutions. While operational, the directory will continue to evolve in the months ahead. Over the second half of 2025, COAR will begin formally onboarding ROs to manage repository records under their scope. Additional work planned for this period includes:
• Enhancing user interface and navigation based on community feedback
• Conducting automated testing to improve system performance
• Producing documentation and frequently asked questions to support the community
• Establishing an Advisory Group made up of RO representatives
• Evaluating resource requirements for long-term IRD management
Through the IRD, COAR aims to provide a sustainable, collaborative infrastructure that enables the global research community to navigate and build upon the rapidly expanding open repository ecosystem.
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