Shared access to iPhoto and iTunes databases

I have setup individual user accounts on our iMac including a users\shared account that I want to have as the common repository for iTunes and iPhoto databases - to avoid proliferation of the same photos and music within each users account. Can I make the 'shared' account location the default directories for all users when we open either of these applications? - I've looked in preferences to no avail.

I have been able to launch (say iPhoto) from Finder under each profile for the shared database, which kinda works, but the iPhoto app behaved a bit oddly - not letting me view the photo when I double clicked it from the thumbnail (which I could view ok).

Any advice appreciated!

Top hits on both google searches:

iPhoto: Sharing libraries among multiple users - Sharing an iPhoto library between users
iTunes: How to share music between different accounts on a single computer - Sharing an iTunes library between users

Thanks, much appreciated!

Thanks from me too Chas. Now that my (previously technophobe) wife has got her macbook she wants 'Everything'!

OMG - she even wants an iPhone now. Thanks Apple!!!!

Sawday said:

Thanks from me too Chas. Now that my (previously technophobe) wife has got her macbook she wants 'Everything'!

OMG - she even wants an iPhone now. Thanks Apple!!!!

Click to expand...

And i'm pretty sure the "want" list will get longer and longer from now on

- Simon

Buzzard2010 said:

And i'm pretty sure the "want" list will get longer and longer from now on

- Simon

Click to expand...

So true.

From "what would anywant want one of those for", to "I think a mobile dongle would be a good idea", to never going anywhere without her macbook & dongle - "just in case I want to look something up", the change has been ballistic!!!

Mind you I shouldn't moan we're both getting iPads for our birthdays later in the year.

I foresee a very expensive few years ahead in that case

- Simon