How to share and update one iTunes master library on an external HD between an iMac and iBook

Question

Hi.  I am in the process of consolidating and switching gears from storing my iTunes libraries (which have roughly the same files) on both my iMac and iBook (both OS 10.7.5) to creating one master library on an external hard drive (Canvio Connect 2TB) and sharing that between both computers, updating the laptop (which I use less frequently) when necessary. I wanted to know if this is possible and if so, how to go about doing this in a way where I don't lose any data and am able to maintain it efficiently.  Thanks!

Answer 1

There is a library file on the external drive that contains a list of all the tracks you have put into iTunes.  The list points to media files iTunes plays are on the external drive too.  Using the instructions I provided you tell the iTunes application on each computer to start up using the library file on the external drive.  If you add a file to iTunes while using computer #1 the file will be copied to the media folder on the external drive and the library file on the external drive will be updated to show there is a new file.  When you plug the same drive into computer #2 and start iTunes it takes the file listing from the library file on the external drive.  You are using the one library with each computer and it exists only on the external drive which both computers use.  They are truly sharing the same single copy of the  library.
I have a box with objects inside and a list inside with an updated inventory of the objects. I give the box to you. You take some objects out and put some in and make a note in the list of what you have done, then put the list back inside and hand the box to me.  How do I know what changes you have done?  Simple.  I open the box and look at the list.  It's the same list that was in your hands only moments before.  I add a few objects and update the list, put it back inside the box and hand the box to you.  How do you know what changes have been made? Simple.  Open the box and read the list which was the one I updated moments before.  The only copy of the list is in the box so neither of us is needing to keep our own copy of the list updated.
Everything iTunes needs to generate your library listing is in the iTunes folder, but it doesn't have to be on the computer.  In your case it will all be on the external drive and each copy of the iTunes application on each computer will look and use the same identical library file on the external drive as you pass it from computer to computer.  Once you have set this up you can delete the entire iTunes folder in Music from your computer because the application will no longer be using it.  The only thing "iTunes" left on the computer will be the application itself, but each copy will have been told to use the library on the external drive.
Okay, enough.  I've said the same thing about 4 ways now.