In allowing users to contribute assets and make them available anytime online, the repository represents a long-awaited development in ALT's work and services. Built using EPrints software, the repository conforms to the minimum standards of the OpenDOAR policy supporting the aims of the Open Access movement. It has been designed with wider development in mind, ensuring its ongoing, long-term value.

Currently, the repository can be browsed by Library of Congress subject divisions or an evolving learning-technology-based subject tree, which ALT is developing in accordance with user requirements. This allows the repository to reflect the various user communities that become involved in it or use it to make their output widely available. Furthermore, the repository is fully indexed by internet search engines, thereby enabling users to find items without having to be on the repository itself.

The ALT Open Access Repository was developed as part of the wALTer project in conjunction with the project partner Cranfield University under the JISC Repositories and Preservation Programme. It now exists as an independent, freely available service hosted and run by ALT.

At present, the repository contains post-prints from the ALT's peer-reviewed journal ALT-J from the periodical's inception in 1993 to Vol. 16 (2007); it will be updated periodically with new volumes eighteen months after publication by Routledge. The repository also contains items relating to

• ALT-C conference and ALT events and webinars;
• Learning-technology topics, events, and publications;
• ALT Members and the Certified Membership Scheme - CMALT;
• ALT Special Interest Groups such as the recently established Learning Environment Review SIG (LERSIG).

It will be extended further to cover

• examples of best practice;
• guides for good practice in design and use of education technologies;
• research papers;
• sector reports related to eLearning;
• wiki-based content that can be added to and extended by practitioners.