Combining Moodle with DSpace: Designing an Architecture for LIS Courseware Amit Kumar Das and Dr. Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay Department of Library and Information Science The University of Burdwan, Burdwan – 713 104 Abstract VLE@BU, the prototype web-based modular and interactive learning system, is aimed to produce a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for library and information science courses. In its final shape, VLE@BU will be acted as a generic e learning platform for courses offered by the Department of Library and Information Science, BU. VLE@BU will have all the facilities to support off-campus learning and evaluation activities related to traditional courses of Library and Information Science, BU. In short, VLE@BU will be emerging as a web integrated hybrid e learning system for library and information science courses of The University of Burdwan. The structure of VLE@BU extends support for all three forms of VLE – web-based training, supported online learning and informal e learning. The software architecture of VLE@BU is completely based on FOSS (Free and Open Source Software). It uses LAMP (Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP) architecture in Ubuntu, Moodle course management system as front end layer and DSpace as a backend digital repository system to preserve the metadata of learning object (IEEE LOM standard) for long time preservation and perpetual access and develop an interactive web-integrated e learning platform to accommodate library and information science courses. Key words:- Virtual learning environment, learning object, learning object metadata Introduction The merging of robust learning technology with the Internet offers a new breed of learning experiences, in particular the development of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). Virtual learning environments can be described as online teaching-learning-evaluation domains that permit synchronous and collaborative interaction among teachers and students, while also providing asynchronous learning resources for individual use by students at any time. VLEs offer a learning system, made up of many components, with all the advantages of computer-based learning but with the added advantages of access and use over the Internet as platform. Joint Information Systems Committee's (JISC's) definition seems the most widely accepted: “A VLE is an electronic system that can provide online interactions of various kinds that can take place between learners and tutors, including online learning” (JISC, 2003).