ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how many of the initial concerns relating to delivering resources in the Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) environment have been tackled and, for the most part, overcome. It explores the opportunities and challenges faced by the emerging use of virtual learning environments (VLEs). It is generally acknowledged that digital technologies play a key role in delivering HE in Further Education Institution (FEI) resources. FE Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) are unable to provide the wide range of materials provided in Higher Education Institution (HEI) libraries due to costs, lower student numbers, the cross-College diversity of student needs and accommodation. The development of VLEs across both HE and FE sectors has had a significant impact on teaching and learning, not least for libraries and LRCs. The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) describes the VLE as an electronic system that can provide on-line interactions of various kinds that can take place between learners and tutors, including on-line learning'.
