Abstract: A repository adapter, repository adapter client and methods provide enhanced collaborative authoring of documents stored on a repository. Repository adapter clients access the repository using the repository adapter that is adapted to communicate with the clients using a bi-directional asynchronous protocol. The repository adapter communicates with the repository in accordance with a repository protocol such as the WebDAV protocol. The repository adapter performs change requests on behalf of clients in a transactional manner, in communication with the repository. Serialization of requests by clients and transactional processing by the shared repository adapter serves to reduce resource contention otherwise experienced by collaborative authors in a conventional WebDAV environment. Fine grain changes to objects, relationships and attributes may be made using the repository adapter.