The mission of AFI is to create archival files documenting the careers of the creative community of Kansas City, Missouri.

[2] The files are a resource that is used by scholars, artists, curators and anyone interested in learning more about the arts community in this region.

The process of creating the files begins with library staff reaching out to museum leaders, curators, library staff, commercial galleries and artists organizations to identify prominent local artists.

[2] From there, Carbonell creates what she calls a "decision matrix," and logs each artists' accomplishments such as their completion of art school, their exhibitions and recommendations from various organizations.

[2] The system for the cataloging criteria is called the Artist Files Revealed through the Art Libraries Society of North America.