Integrating VLE and Library Systems: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper describes the potential benefits of VLE Library system integration to learners, libraries and content providers and examines the role of emerging authentication technologies in facilitating the practical realisation of such integration. It reports on the activities of the 4i Project (Interoperable Institutional, Integrated Implementation) led by the University of Ulster in collaboration with WebCT, Talis and Athens. This project is funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) under the Linking Digital Libraries and Virtual Learning Environments (DiVLE) programme which aims to explore the technical, pedagogical and organisational issues of linking digital library systems and virtual learning environments.