Using rsync to merge itunes libraries

I'm not sure where to post this, so I'll try here. I'm trying to create a script to backup my laptop's (smaller and ever changing) itunes library to a server that has all my music on it. i've looked everywhere for this answer online and can't find anything.
the problem is, I can easily rsync the laptop's library to the server, without deleting, so that I have essentially merged whatever new purchases I've made on my laptop into the archival library on the server. . . creating an ever growing music backup on the server. However, how does the itunes library on the server know to add these new tunes to its itunes library file? I know I could go in and drag the server's itunes music folder into the server's itunes app, and the merged songs would then be added to the library xml file, but i was wondering if there was a way to automate that process as well... (in rsync or otherwise)...
anyone have any ideas?

This may help
http://www.digital501.com/20061019156/merge-itunes-libraries-rsync/

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