Multiple Libraries, Archive restore to Lib, a working procedure

Question

The question arose in another thread asking how to restore images saved to DVD (archived) back to LR.
The answer was involved and covered the use of multiple libraries as well.
I thought that giving it a separate thread might be useful to others with similar questions. Note that this is the method I use at this time. No doubt others can offer improvements. Please do so.
As long as you have not modified the status of images in the DB--just changed the location of the actual images--you will have a record of them in the Library where they were originally located.
You can restore images archived to DVD, but it is not a built in LR procedure. The DB will not realize just where you moved the files, but if you try to access one (beyond just looking at the db record of it)it will indicate that it cannot be opened and ask if you wish to locate it. That will be your clue that you must restore the DVD contents (at least the directories that contain the images you want to revisit to your (untouched original) file structure--actually,you could restore them somewhere else, and then use the locate dialogue to point LR to them).
I don't know whether LR can be pointed directly to the DVD or not--I simply haven't tried that varaiant. Maybe someone with more experience can answer that.
Of course, all this should be built in, but it simply isn't at this time.
Further to this, you will note that there is constant reference to multiple libraries, both literal and implied, and that means that you can literally have as many as you want, but again, it is up to the user at this point to devise a way to keep track of them.
Here is the procedure I use:
1. Move the existing db structure contained in the directory X:\Documents and Settings\(users name)\My Documents\My Pictures\Lightroom in its entirety to a new folder that indicates the nature of the library. For example 'LR Yellowstone assignments Jun 06'
2. Close LR
3. To get LR to see the Library named above, open the 'Yellowstone' directory, then the 'Lightroom' directory, and double click on the 'lightroom Database.lrdb' file, and that will start lightroom and it will see that db as its working library for that session. Or in the case of a backup of that particular library, double click the .lrdb with LR shut down.
This procedure for starting LR can be used to open any Library you have created. I work with relatively small libraries because LR bogs down when things get large (relatively), so I have a number of 'working' libraries appropriately named in separate directories--and backup directories for each as well. My work is my bread and butter, so I believe in Redundancy.
The first absolute rule I learned 30 years ago, and it has proved true so many times I can't count them: Never rely on a computer where everything valuable is not backed up VERY FREQUENTLY. EVERYTHING VALUABLE!
I also use a dual boot computer with two exact copies of one another for editing--I can' afford to lose time for an immediate rebuild should my boot partition crash--total redundancy insurance is my name for it.
I have LR on both sides, and can open Libraries created on either side with two mouse clicks. Obviosuly, if you just start LR the usual way, it will see the last library you had open.
Hope this helps.
By the way, if you do get this to work using a DVD that has the file structure replicated, let us know. I use Archive Creator in my workflow to keep track of archived images at the present time. Very easy way to do it. No doubt there are many workflow variants out there!

Answer 1

Does anyone have a quicker procedure for starting a new Library--my present one is to hide the Library last used in LR, start LR, and choose 'make a new Library' in the pop up requester that comes up when LR discovers its last Library is missing. TIA