The idea of easy, finger-tip access to information-what we conceptualize as digital libraries today-began with Vannenar Bush's Memex machine (Bush, 1945) and has continued to evolve with each advance in information technology. With the arrival of computers, the concept centered on large bibliographic databases, the now familiar online retrieval and public access systems that are part of any contemporary library. When computers were connected into large networks forming the Internet, the concept evolved again, and research turned to creating libraries of digital information that could be accessed by anyone from anywhere in the world (Cleveland, 1998).

Digital libraries have dramatically changed the way information services are offered. Virtual learning environments (VLEs) have also played a transformative role in the way learning and teaching takes place. Some authors also claim that VLEs promote active and collaborative learning. Both systems can transcend traditional barriers of distance and time (Virkus et al, 2009).

Although the reasons for both systems to integrate may derive as a direct result of the historical and supportive mission of academic libraries to higher education institutions, Saumure and Shiri (2006) pointed out that both digital libraries and VLEs have been developed separately and they have only recently begun to integrate. However, only two literature reviews were found on the topic: Brown and Currier (2001), in the context of INSPIRAL project (INveStigating Portals for Information Resources and Learning), and Markland (2002), who compiled an annotated bibliography (Virkus et al, 2009).

Therefore, this learning object aims to explore the various aspects of integration of digital libraries and virtual learning environments from the library community perspective. However, it does not claim to be exhaustive on the topic; and does not include broader but related topics, such as e-learning and libraries, or libraries and education (Virkus et al, 2009).