You can use these free online forms to create collection- through series-/subseries-level EAD finding aids. Encoders simply enter collection data into the webform fields, or cut and paste from an existing document into the form. The form is then converted to a text file and saved as a XML EAD file. 

You will need to validate the EAD file using a validation tool since the template cannot do this. A simple text editor can be used in conjunction with the validation tool to correct encoding errors. 

The template source code is customizable and freely available for downloading [ZIP]. Please note, however, that the package does not include documentation on implementing template syntax or using the cgi program to create your own template.

Request a Template

To request a template, please submit an EAD Web Template Request Form [DOC]. Once your template is created, it will be listed on this page (see below).

Usage Requirements

  • Consult the EAD Web Template Guide [PDF] for instructions on using the templates.
  • Internet Explorer or Netscape 6.0 is required for use of the templates.
  • Templates produce XML markup only.
  • Templates contain some basic customizations (such as repository-specific contact information, and default access and publication rights statements).
  • Contact us if you'd like edit default information or heading values in template fields. Note also that EAD elements with LABEL attributes in also have default values—these may also be edited by contacting us.
Templates
African American Museum and Library at OaklandGeneral template
Art Center College of Design ArchivesGeneral template
Autry National Center of the American WestAutry Library template
Braun Research Library template
The Book Club of CaliforniaGeneral template
California Historical SocietyGeneral template
California Institute of TechnologyGeneral template
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoGeneral template
California State ArchivesGeneral template
California State LibraryGeneral template
California State ParksGeneral template
California State Parks, Capital DistrictCalifornia Indian Heritage Center template
California State Capital Museum template
Governor's Mansion SHP template
Leland Stanford Mansion SHP template
Old Sacramento SHP, California State Railroad Museum template
Railtown 1897 SHP template
State Indian Museum SHP template
Sutter's Fort SHP template
California State Parks Photographic ArchivesGeneral template
California State Railroad Museum LibraryGeneral template
California State University, ChicoGeneral template
California State University, East Bay University ArchivesGeneral template
California State University, FresnoCentral Valley Political Archive template
Sanoian Special Collections Library template
California State University, SacramentoDept. of Special Collections & University Archives template
California State University, San FranciscoLabor Archives & Research template
Chabot Space and Science Center ArchivesGeneral template
Chapman UniversityLeatherby Libraries template
Claremont CollegesElla Strong Dennison Library template
Honnold/Mudd Library template
Computer History MuseumGeneral template
Doris Foley Library for Historical ResearchGeneral template
Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation LibraryGeneral template
Focus on the Masters, Archives and LibaryGeneral template
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical SocietyGeneral template
Graduate Theological Union ArchivesGeneral template
History San Jose, Research LibraryGeneral template
Holocaust Center of Northern CaliforniaGeneral template
Humboldt State University LibraryGeneral template
Huntington Library, Manuscripts DepartmentGeneral template
Huntington Library, Photograph CollectionsGeneral template
Japanese American Historical Society of San DiegoGeneral template
Japanese American National MuseumGeneral template
Lavender Library, Archives and Cultural Exchange of SacramentoGeneral template
Local History Digital Resources Project (LHDRP)Virtual collection EAD template 
Los Angeles Martime MuseumGeneral template
Loyola Marymount University LibraryGeneral template
Mills CollegeF.W. Olin Library template
National Park Service, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Park Archives and Records CenterGeneral template
Occidental College LibraryGeneral template
ONE National Gay and Lesbian ArchivesGeneral template
Ontario City LibraryGeneral template
Pasadena Digital History CollaborationGeneral template
Redwood National ParkGeneral template
Sacramento Archives and Museum Collection CenterGeneral template
Sacramento Public LibraryGeneral template
San Bernardino County Historical Archives
General template
San Diego Historical SocietyGeneral template 
San Diego Museum of ManGeneral template 
San Francisco Public LibraryGeneral template
San Jose State University LibraryGeneral template
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Blaksley LibraryGeneral template
Santa Clara County ArchivesGeneral template
Santa Clara UniversityGeneral template
Santa Monica Public LibraryGeneral template
Seaver Center for Western History ResearchGeneral template
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ParksGeneral template
Sierra Madre Historical ArchivesGeneral template
Society of California PioneersGeneral template
Stanford UniversityArchive of Recorded Sound template 
Hoover Institution Archives template
Music Library template
Rare Book Division template
Special Collections template
University Archives template
UC BerkeleyEnvironmental Design Archives template
Harmer E. Davis Transportation Library template
Institute for Research on Labor and Employment Library template
Survey of California and Other Indian Languages template
Water Resources Center Archives template
UC IrvineSoutheast Asian Archives template
Special Collections and Archives template
University Archives template
UC Los AngelesArts Library Special Collections template 
Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library template
Manuscripts Division template
Music Library Special Collections template
University Archives template
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library template
UC RiversideSpecial Collections template
        California Museum of Photography template
UC San FranciscoSpecial Collections template
        Tobacco Control Archives template
UC Santa BarbaraCalifornia Ethnic and Multicultural Archives template
        Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration template
Special Collections template
UC Santa CruzSpecial Collections and Archives template
University Archives template
University of Southern CaliforniaRegional History Center template
Special Collections template
University of the PacificHolt-Atherton Department of Special Collections template
West Valley CollegeGeneral template
Western Jewish History CenterGeneral template