Would you merge CLS and ULS?

Today’s post on ACRLog from Steven Bell is “Why a CLS and ULS.” The post highlights a conversation that just started in the CLS Facebook group on the question of why there are two different sections in ACRL for college and university libraries.

I couldn’t resist posting my response to that question, which I’m reproducing here.

I’m a ULS member and have been increasing involved in the section for the past several years. From my perspective, the characteristic that has set ULS apart, historically, is a focus on administration.

I say “historically” because things are changing in ULS. In our last board meeting we spent a good bit of time casting about for a new characteristic that could set ULS apart. What makes university libraries different from other ACRL library types? More academic research? Grad students? These are not much to build a section around.

So the truth is I’ve been secretly asking the same question as Lisa. How would ULS and CLS members feel to be merged into the same body? Would that comingling of university and college librarians lead to more interesting projects and programs? I think it’s a question worth serious consideration.

But the more critical question is, what would we call it? CULS? UCLS? Who gets to go first? 😉

What do you think? Would you merge the two sections into one?