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COAR International Repository Directory (IRD)

COAR
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About

Launched: 2025
Record Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Index or directory
The International Directory of Repositories is a comprehensive index that provides a detailed overview of repositories worldwide. It includes essential information such as geographical location, description, contact details, the types and versions of platforms in use, the scope of repository collections, institutional affiliations, and the functionalities supported. This valuable resource enhances accessibility to research outputs and data for all researchers and research institutions, promoting seamless collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Mission

The International Repository Directory, managed by the Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR), aims to be an authoritative source of information about repositories, providing the community with an accurate and timely record of the current repository landscape.

Technical Attributes

Maintenance Status

Actively Maintained

Open Code Repository

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Technical Documentation

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Code License

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Open Data Statement

Implemented
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Technical Attribute Statements

Programming Languages

  • ruby

Technology Readiness Level

  • Actual system proven in operational environment

Code Licenses Used

  • MIT License

Content Licensing

  • Creative commons licenses

Standards

Persistent Identifier

  • Research Organization Registry

Integrations

  • Research Organization Registry (ROR)

Community Engagement

Code of Conduct

In Progress

Community Engagement

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Community Statements

User Contribution Pathways

  • Contribute to documentation
  • Contribute to user research or user testing

Community Engagement Activities

  • Blogs
  • Community calls
  • Development sprints
  • Volunteer or ambassador network

Policies & Governance

Governance Summary

The Stichting COAR is a not-for-profit foundation that was created on April 3, 2023 in accordance with the Netherlands Civil Code (Art. 2:285 et seq.). It is governed by a board of directors.

Policies

Bylaws

In Progress

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Governance Structure & Processes

Implemented
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Policy Statements

Board Structure

  • Advisory board or steering committee

Board Level

  • Provider

Community Governance

  • Ad hoc

Additional Information

Organizational History

A comprehensive and accurate directory of repositories has become increasingly important in the current scholarly communications landscape to support compliance with a growing number of open science policy requirements and to enable the development of value added services on top of repositories. However, the existing directories do not provide an accurate picture of the repository landscape, meaning the information is often obsolete and not maintained as the repository evolves.
In July 2025, COAR will officially launched the COAR International Repository Directory (IRD). The difference between the COAR IRD and other directories is that it is community curated. Rather than relying on a centralised staff based at the directory to update records, the responsibility for curation of the IRD is distributed to responsible organisations.
https://coar-repositories.org/what-we-do/coar-international-repository-directory/

Organizational Structure

Business or Ownership Model

Non-profit organization

Full-time Staff

1-5

Current Affiliations

Responsible Organisations: https://ird.coar-repositories.org/about?lang=en

Funding

Primary Funding Source

  • Contributions
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