Provided is a method, system, program and data structures for managing structured documents. Each structured document has at least one element in common and each element is capable of having one defined data object. At least one table is generated based on a schema of elements in the managed structured documents. Further, at least one table is designed to include entries for each element instance in the managed structured documents and at least one object for one element instance. For each element instance in the managed structured documents, one entry is added to at least one table including information on an element identifier for the element instance, the data object for the element instance, and a document identifier for the structured document including the element instance. The at least one table provides an association of the element instance, the at least one data object for the element instance, and the document identifier of the structured document including the element instance.