How to split iPhoto library and NOT loose metadata?

My iPhoto library gets too big (30GB); hence I'd like to split it and make two separate libraries, one for 2008, one for 2009.
How can I do this WITHOUT loosing all the metadata and file structure: e.g. the albums, the MobileMe gallery, the Faces and Places data etc.???
Any solutions, suggestions, pointers are welcome. Thanks.

Splitting the Library will not save you any disk space, and will, in fact, use more as the database and support files will be duplicated. Also, it's less convenient as you can only access one Library at a time. If you're worried about disk space you can run a Library from an external disk.
That said:
Duplicate the Library in the Finder.
Open the first one - lets say it's the 2009 one - and remove all the 2008 elements from it.
Then Open the second one and remove all the 2009 elements from it.
Result: two libraries, intact for the respective years.
To choose a Library to open: Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library'
Managing Multiple Libraries - including moving pics/albums/rolls and metadata between them - is greatly facilitated by using iPhoto Library Manager
Regards
TD

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