As well as providing a simple repository list, OpenDOAR lets you search for repositories or search repository contents. Additionally, we provide tools and support to both repository administrators and service providers in sharing best practice and improving the quality of the repository infrastructure. Further explanation of these features is given in a project document Beyond the list.

The current directory lists repositories and allows breakdown and selection by a variety of criteria - see the Find page - which can also be viewed as statistical charts. The underlying database has been designed from the ground up to include in-depth information on each repository that can be used for search, analysis, or underpinning services like text-mining. The OpenDOAR service is being developed incrementally, developing the current service as new features are introduced. A list of Upgrades and Additions is available.

Developments will be of use both to users wishing to find original research papers and for service providers like search engines or alert services which need easy-to-use tools for developing tailored search services to suit specific user communities.

The importance and widespread support for the project can be seen in its funders, led by the Open Society Institute (OSI), along with the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), the Consortium of Research Libraries (CURL) and SPARCEurope.