In 2002, as Susie Henderson conceptualized and began to envision a distance learning repository for Florida, she attended an International Repository Summit in Madison, Wisconsin. During a panel discussion she asked the group, “Where do I start to create a repository?  Is there a how-to or cookbook for developing a repository?”  The question seemed to surprise the audience of repository professionals.  There was no such guide.  This grant grew out of that recognized need for a Blueprint or guidebook.  The staff of the Orange Grove Repository, a project of the Florida Distance Learning Consortium, created this FIPSE OnCoRe Blueprint. Established in 2004, the Orange Grove is a K-20 repository designed to collect and store learning resources for use by Florida teachers, faculty, and educational institutions. 

Determined that Florida’s repository be built on a firm foundation, the creators of the Orange Grove began with thorough research of standards—both technical and metadata—and well thought out policies from other repositories that might be adapted to its own initiative.  Thus, Florida has become a leader in careful planning and a standards-based approach that ensures interoperability of content among repositories. 

Other states have identified the need for a statewide repository—California, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Louisiana—and these projects are moving forward in various stages of development. Ideally, this will produce a system of repositories that can share content, improve teaching and learning, and reduce costs.  The Orange Grove has received requests for guidance from a variety of entities launching repository initiatives.  The OnCoRe Blueprint Project is a response to this demonstrated interest and need.  Our Blueprint builds on the expertise developed in Florida as well as other states.

The OnCoRe Blueprint offers the methodologies and lessons learned that were gathered during the design, implementation, and ongoing support of the Orange Grove.  It also reflects collected wisdom garnered from research, interviews, and discussions with pioneers, planners, and implementers of repository projects. The OnCoRe project staff is grateful to these groups for so freely sharing their past and current processes, methodologies, and ideas for improvement through this Blueprint.  For a complete list of these individuals, click here.

The examples offered throughout the Blueprint illustrate decisions made in specific situations encountered during the creation or implementation of a statewide online repository.  These examples provide opportunities for others developing repositories to learn from the experiences of professionals who have forged the way.  They offer valuable information and illustrate both the things that were done well and the things that could be improved upon.  The goal of the Blueprint is to provide a practical guide to help your state or institution develop and establish a statewide or institution wide repository project. 

In addition to this guidebook, the OnCoRe project maintains a project website, a webinars series, and a project Wiki.  As members of the repository community share their experiences as we all grow and develop, the Blueprint will become more valuable and robust.  Through ongoing communication, your group will find a supportive community of practice, experience a more efficient implementation of your repository, and have the opportunity to influence the next Blueprint draft with your own state’s perspectives and insights.