[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by Azkahuna

Thanks for the feedback. I started with one library but I have over 7000 books, papers articles, publications, etc. and it is just too unwieldly to try to develop search parameters when I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for, but I know what library it should be in.

Virtual libraries are functionally no different from separate libraries. If you know something is in the Fiction library you either go to the separate Fiction library or the virtual Fiction library the end result functions the same.

Moving a book to a separate library or a virtual library is equally easy. I have 13000 books a single library with multiple virtual libraries and search parameters to create a virtual library are simpler than you may imagine.

If you want it in the Scientific publications library simply tag it with Scientific publications and setup up a virtual library that searches for tags:"=Scientific publications". Repeat for each library.

Or you could create a custom column for your library headings and search for #yourcolumnhere:"=Scientific publications"

Originally Posted by Azkahuna

and each library folder isn't as massive as one large one and can be stored in different locations.

True, separate libraries may provide benefits that virtual libraries do not. Virtual libraries are not the solution for everyone and separate libraries work fine, but you lose some features that you want.

Originally Posted by Azkahuna

Also I can save a backup of each library

Backups are no harder or easier because you have multiple libraries.

Originally Posted by Azkahuna

or share it without a lot on inappropriate books being included.

True, if you physically share your libraries. However if you share you library via the content server you can restrict the content server to one virtual library.

Originally Posted by Azkahuna

thanks again for your help.

You're welcome.

Originally Posted by Azkahuna

I am curious as to why the program would even have the capability to create multiple libraries if there is no meaningful way to interactively access them without duplicating a file?

As itimpi stated multiple libraries exist because users requested the ability. Multiple libraries were never an overall design goal of Kovid's, but he often listens to users requests.