Alphie Garcia, information resources and collection management librarian at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, was selected as one of 25 archivists nationwide for the 2025 Archives Leadership Institute (ALI).
Held June 8–14 at the University of Virginia Library, the week-long institute brought together mid-career archivists to develop leadership skills and deepen their impact within the profession. Quarterly virtual sessions will continue throughout the year.
Garcia was chosen through a competitive process recognizing his professional commitment, leadership potential, and dedication to diversity and innovation in the archival field.
“Alphie is the sole professional responsible for archival work at the UH West Oʻahu Library, so this opportunity will enable him to bring back new and innovative ideas that will inform the library’s ongoing and future archival projects,” said Carina Chernisky, public services librarian at the James & Abigail Campbell Library.
‘Steward of cultural memories’
Garcia called the experience an honor and professional highlight, which gave him a rare opportunity to share a space and engage with a national group of archivists and information professionals.
“ALI created space to step back and reflect on the archival profession and my own role here at UH West Oʻahu as a steward of cultural memories,” Garcia said. “The experience has deepened my sense of purpose and commitment to the values we hold at UH West Oʻahu, and in the library and archival profession to uplift underrepresented voices and preserve local knowledge.”
Garcia is collaborating with fellow cohort members on a project that explores how recent federal actions have affected diversity initiatives in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) fields. He said the sense of community and support at ALI was powerful.
“The week as a whole reminded me that archival leadership is not just about creating policies or the minutiae of preservation, but about staying true to the values that matter,” Garcia said.
For more visit Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman
