Abstract:The rapid development of the significance of digital and human networks in academic institutions, the development of
vocational and distance learning methods and systems and their associated services delivery have modified the organizational and informational structures of academic institutions. In this new
scenario, management information systems, various learning resources in printed or digital format and network related user services are usually competing for their acceptance in a rapidly changing
system. There is an emerging need to provide new services in order to function in a changing international market, to prepare for the expected student mobility and the increasing diversity of
educational needs. This paper argues for the introduction of academic middleware to speed up the delivery process of the new services and reduce the complexity of the managed systems.
Keywords: Middleware, Learning Technology, User profiles, Learning Objects, Directory services.