since I have experience using java's DOM parser, I'll probably stick with xml::dom

Please DON'T!

XML::DOM is an old and barely maintained module. XML::LibXML implements the DOM, plus XPath, which makes it a LOT easier (and safer) to use. It drives me crazy to see the number of people still choosing to use it now, when better alternatives are clearly available.

<rant mode="on">The fact that a module has the name of a standard does not mean a thing. More exactly, it just means that the author was the first one to write a module implementing some of the standard. It does not mean that it is a good module, that you should use it, or that there isn't a better module available. Use your brain! </rant>