Working towards a global open access repositories network for a networked scholarship

The World Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR) is a young, fast growing association of repository
initiatives and networks uniting and representing almost 100 institutions worldwide (Europe, Asia, Latin and Northern
America). Our mission is to facilitate greater visibility and application of research outputs through global networks of
open access repositories based on interoperability and international cooperation. Activities are guided by four strategic
directions:

1. To promote the development of a global, sustainable network of open access repositories as key element of the evolving
international scientific information infrastructure, including social sciences and humanities, in support of excellence in
research and education

2. To provide support for the OA repository community from institutions, countries, regions and disciplines, through
international cooperation and information sharing

3. To define and promote interoperability, standards, and infrastructure policies

4. To stimulate the development and take-up of user added-value services on top of the repositories

The poster presents COAR’s aims, activities and projects in order to promote opportunities for collaboration and presents
the benefits of membership in COAR for institutions especially, but not only in developing countries in terms of support,
visibility and integration into the global knowledge net-work.