A summary of responses I have received regarding XML/EAD Database Software

The finding aids are probably generated by the database (contrary to my original vision). You can design a database so that its fields correspond to the fields you need in an EAD finding aid. Then you can write a report that adds the EAD tags to the content you entered into your database for each finding aid. The data from the report can be exported in txt format to other applications, like a text editor for creating XML web pages.  Someone good with MS Access might be able to accomplish this given enough time, but there are no known off-the-shelf products.

EndNotes is recommended as a relational database which can produce XML reports and can import them as well.  The program also allows you to customize each record.  

Most software appears to be home grown programs that extract the information from the database. She points out that the COTS program in the Archivist Toolkit (www.archiviststoolkit.org) appears most promising. Unfortunately, it is not due out until this fall. Beta testing should start in July.  

XMetal is a program in use in some archives which works well with EAD. http://www.xmetal.com/index.x
Also, look into  the following sites for more info: 
www.loc.gov/ead/     
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/ead/

Thanks to all who offered their input.
Melissa Martinez

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