Content Object Repository Discovery and Registration Architecture (CORDRA) is an open, standards-based model for how to design and implement software systems for the purposes of discovery, sharing and reuse of learning content through the establishment of interoperable federations of learning content repositories.

Designed to be an enabling model to bridge the worlds of learning content management and delivery, and content repositories and digital libraries, CORDRA aims to identify and specify (not develop) appropriate technologies and existing interoperability standards that can be combined into a reference model used to enable a learning content infrastructure.

CORDRA is:

• A formal model that can be used to design federations of repositories (the CORDRA reference model)
• A collection of operational systems built from the CORDRA model, including:
  • A prototype implementation of a repository federation
  • An operational federation of federations used to combine different CORDRA federations.
• The activities and projects surrounding the definition of the CORDRA model and creation of the operational systems.

CORDRA is not a repository of content. It is a searchable index of content metadata that can be resolved to content located in distributed repositories.

CORDRA does not define or dictate how a repository operates, nor does it affect local policies. It only defines how to make deposits in the registry.

>> CORDRA and the ADL Registry

ADL Registry

DoD is funding the development and deployment of an instance of CORDRA (through the Defense Technical Information Center [DTIC]) as a service to DoD Components called the ADL Registry. This provides a useful infrastructure that DoD components may build upon.

The ADL Registry is not a repository of content, but that of a searchable index of content metadata that can be resolved to content located in distributed repositories.  Initially the ADL Registry will be simple and services will be added as policy issues are addressed.  Anyone will be allowed to search the ADL Registry through a portal*. 

For the first time the ADL Registry will allow search, discovery, identification, resolution and retrieval of content. This should enable "just in time" delivery of content over time.

*Note:  The searching may or may not permit access or retrieval; results will resolve to a means of retrieval that may require local access privileges or authentication.  ADL is initially silent on access and security issues until requirements are developed by DoD components.  It is hoped that a working group with representatives from key DoD Components will be convened to address these issues and questions.