2 Qs: a: Can't see library in Pictures; b:How to import an old library

Question

I have a couple of problems with iPhoto.
*1. Invisible Library*
For some reason my library doesn't appear in the Finder when I go to the Pictures folder, however, I can see photos in my library when I open iPhoto.
I've tried a spotlight search for iPhoto library but nothing appears.
I have also tried quitting iPhoto and restarting holding the option key down. At the choice menu I cannot see any iPhoto library in the Pictures folder (or elsewhere).
Is there some way I can make this invisible folder visible?
*2. Import old library from external hard drive*
I have a library stored on an external hard drive with several years worth of photos on it. I would like to import the photos but when I try, iPhoto imports everything including thumbnails, modified photos, originals etc. I end up with thousands of duplicate photos. How can I import only the original photos and/or photos that have been modified from this library?
Thanks for your help
Peter

Answer 1

Peter:
1 - in the library Control click on a thumbnail and select "Show File" in the contextual menu. When you get to the file in the Finder window you can use the Path button at the top of the Finder window to see where the library is located.
It might be in a hidden folder for some reason. Go to the Finder->Go->Go to folder... menu and enter "/volumes" and hit return. If the library is there move it to the desktop and then into the Pictures folder. That will keep the events, albums, keywords, etc. intact for both libraries.
2 - your best bet is to use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager to merge the external library into the one on your boot drive.
Are you running iPhoto 7 (08)? In iPhoto 7 when you import another library it ignores any file in thj folder Data folder, i.e. the thumbnails. So all you get are the originals and the modified files.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.