1. A method for managing a hierarchy of resources in a repository, the method comprising: receiving user input that associates a resource configuration with a directory within the hierarchy of resources stored in the repository; based on data in the resource configuration, associating the resource configuration with at least one resource within the hierarchy; wherein the resource configuration contains a first configuration item that includes data that expresses one or more rules in a format that can be interpreted by the repository; wherein the resource configuration identifies a routine to call to determine how to manage a resource within the hierarchy in response to an event concerning the repository; invoking the routine in response to the event; the repository responding to the event based on output returned by invoking the routine; interpreting the first configuration item; and managing the resource based on the interpreting of the first configuration item.