This paper argues that there is a need for specific standards for the description of archive repositories. With this objective in mind a DTD has been created, called Encoded Archival Guide (EAG) that provides an electronic format for the storage, publication and exchange of information related to archive repositories. The different elements and attributes that make up the EAG DTD are described, as well as their application to the Electronic Guide to Spanish and Iberian American Archives that includes information about more than 42,000 institutions. (Contains 3 figures and 7 notes.)