Q: Really confused about libraries, events, and projects

Me, too. I hate this paradigm shift tuff.

Fro Wolsky's book:

Library is a container for events and projects that are used in one production. But that's a general principle, stuff in a library can be used in other projects and events.

The FCPX Library is like FCP7 project (vaguely resemble your folder structure and the organization of a drive)

The FCPX event is like FCP7 bin (but not really because you can't organize freely like in a bin. It's lame.)

The FCPX project is like FCP7 sequence or timeline (and you only get one! Just as lame.)

But I just got here first. Others will have better explanations for you.

Oh, wait, you said you were NEW to this so you don't have to deal with 20 years of nonlinear editing preconceptions and prejudices.

Lucky.

Wait for some others to respond. But you might as well buy one or two of the FCPX books on the market or invest in some serious online training (not free).

Here some reading material:

http://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/Media_Management.pdf

Final Cut Pro X 10.1.2: Updating and working with libraries FAQ - Apple Support

http://www.larryjordan.biz/fcp-x-10-1-manage-projects/

http://www.fcpxbook.com/updates/101/

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/fcp_x_first_look_10_1_martin.html

And viewing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGogEwnX9yE

Hopefully, the above info will clarify everything about the library/event/project hierarchy. The important thing to keep in mind is you can't work without a library; and that library has to hold at least one event. Your event is a folder that organizes your media according to a wide variety of criteria that you can specify. Your project contains the timeline where you assemble your selects, apply your effects to tell your story and it is stored within the event folder.

You will be happy to hear that those who come to FCP X without much traditional NLE experience (sorry, David) usually pick it up very fast. A guy that I work with didn't even have any iMovie experience and after less than 2 hours of DIY learning, cut a very credible show that aired on a local station.

Good luck.

Russ