Glass systems of the composition xLi(2)O-20ZnO-(80 - x)B2O3 where (x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mol%) have been prepared by melt quenching technique. Elastic properties, 1 B-11 MAS-NMR and IR spectroscopic studies have been employed to study the structure of Li2O-ZnO-B2O3 glasses. Elastic properties have been investigated using sound velocity measurements at 10 MHz. Elastic moduli reveal trends in their compositional dependence. The bulk modulus and shear modulus increases monotonically with increase of BO4 units, which increase the dimensionality of the network. B-11 MAS-NMR and IR spectra show characteristic features of borate network and compositional dependent trends as a function of Li2O/ZnO concentration. The results are discussed in view of berate network and the dual structural role of Zn2+ ions. The results indicate that the Zn2+ are likely to occupy network-forming positions in this glass system. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.