This paper takes a historical and methodological approach to explain the gap of reciprocal awareness that exists between many archivists and librarians. It is argued that a much closer relationship between the two professions would enable them to confront common issues in the coordinated manner necessary for optimum benefits to society. The historical evolution of the disconnection between the archives and library fields is discussed, as is the recent development of the archives field and the common co-existence of libraries and archives, both administratively and physically, in universities today. Differences in methodologies between the two fields are discussed in terms of acquisition and appraisal, processing (arrangement and description), reference procedures, and educational preparation. Shared concerns are also discussed, including automation, legislative and legal issues, preservation, and the logic of confronting mutual problems by pooling resources. (THC)