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The University of Guam highlighted a milestone reached at its Fanuchånan (Fall) 2025 commencement ceremony on Dec. 21, 2025, graduating its first cohort of 11 students from the Master of Library and Information Science, or MLIS, program, according to a press release from UOG.
The students are part of the inaugural cohort, which began the program in 2024 through a partnership between the UOG School of Education and University Libraries, which aimed to build workforce capacity to address the evolving demands of the digital age.
“Across the region, there is a need to train new library and information resource professionals,” Monique Storie, dean of University Libraries, said.
“Seeing how technology has forged new grounds for learning and connection, UOG recognized the need to build a workforce of information professionals able to wield global technology to deliver local wisdom.”
Among the graduates is Nicolas Abrenilla, who shared in the release that the opportunity built on his experience as an archival specialist at UOG’s Micronesian Area Research Center.
“It has helped me elevate myself so that one day I can achieve my dream of working with the heart of libraries,” Abrenilla said. “The program was a journey from start to finish.”
The program is a first for the region. According to UOG, it’s aligned with American Library Association standards and includes curriculum coursework in research methods, archival practices, and information curation along with internships in professional library settings.
“This inaugural cohort marks the emergence of a new generation of information professionals ready to serve libraries, schools, archives, and cultural organizations,” Perry Pangelinan, associate professor and MLIS program chair, said. “They’ve laid the groundwork for lasting impact, positioning UOG as a leader in information science education across the region.”
The program addressed region-specific infrastructure and preservation challenges through course offerings including digital archives and exhibitions, which prepare students to digitize “fragile analog materials” such as manuscripts and oral histories.
“In a region where harsh weather and environmental threats constantly endanger physical archives, these skills support sectors such as tourism, public health, education, and historic preservation, and ensure that Pacific history is preserved and shared globally,” the release said.
According to Storie, the 11 graduates are ready to serve Guam and Micronesia.
“They are pioneers lifting Pacific librarianship – bringing the world to us and our heritage to the world,” Storie said.
