resourcefor

Resourcefor is a web-based platform designed for cataloging and discovering educational, research, and professional resources. It combines metadata-rich entries with user-curated collections to enable efficient discovery and reuse of learning materials, datasets, tools, and guidelines. The aim is to provide a centralized, interoperable repository that supports researchers, instructors, and practitioners.

The project emerged in 2019 as a collaboration among libraries, universities, and non-profit organizations seeking to reduce fragmentation across online resource catalogs. An open beta was released in 2020, followed by broader international partnerships and the addition of multilingual content. Resourcefor positions itself as a bridge between disparate catalogs, offering a single search interface and standardized metadata to improve interoperability.

Key features include centralized indexing of resources, support for metadata standards such as Dublin Core and schema.org, and explicit licensing and provenance information. Users can contribute records, create and follow collections, rate items, and write reviews. Advanced search capabilities and filters enable refined discovery by subject, format, language, license, or compatibility with accessibility standards. The platform also provides an API for programmatic access and options to export records in common formats, aiding integration with local libraries and learning platforms. Content combines automated ingestion with community moderation to balance scale and quality.

Governance is open and community-driven, with advisory boards and contributor agreements guiding participation. Resourcefor maintains an open data policy, encouraging reuse of resource records, while the software infrastructure remains openly available under an open-source license. Reception has been positive in academic libraries and education sectors for improving discovery and collaboration, though concerns have been raised about metadata consistency and long-term sustainability. Ongoing development focuses on enhancing interoperability with other catalogs and expanding multilingual coverage.