The EAR/lib folder is by default added to the classpath of the EAR. So you need not add it as a module in the application.xml. However, i am not sure if it is expected to throw an exception if you add it as a module. I would recommend that you open a new thread in the JBossAS5 forum http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=viewforum&f=287 with the entire exception stacktrace and details and point to this thread. View the original post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=viewtopic&p=4195803#... Reply to the post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=posting&mode=reply&a...