Thank you all for your thoughts!
Let’s see if I can make myself clearer.
When Apple introduced the Shared Library, they split the “Library” into the Personal Library and Shared Library, both existing in the Main Library/System Photo Library. Unless Apple has done some strange programming, there is no logical, rational reason to separate the two the way they have, since they both exist in the Main Library/System Photo Library as demonstrated by choosing to view Both Libraries.
However, the Rules change depending on which Library you are in. In the Personal Library, you have access to ALL of the items on the Left Menu (except those photos moved into Shared Library) and to see all of your photos, you simply choose “Library” at the top of the Left Menu. When choosing the Shared Library, you first have to be in the “Library” at the top of the Left Menu, which seems strange because that is where all of your Personal Library photos reside too. The reason is, you are not really in the Personal Library, with the introduction of the Shared Library, the top menu "Library" is now actually the Main/System Photo Library.
When in the Shared Library, why doesn’t the Left Menu change to reflect what you can see in the Shared Library and nothing in Personal Library? In the Both Libraries, why can’t I see the Shared Library in the Left Menu. If I am truly in both libraries, there should be a menu item that says, Shared Library in the Left Menu. Since I CAN see both libraries together by choosing the Both Libraries, why can’t Apple simply include the Shared Library in the Left Menu under the Sharing tab, similar to the Shared Albums? This way we are always in Both Libraries and it is much simpler to navigate.
With both libraries always being together, it is much simpler to move from one place to another without having to go to the Library and then choose the Shared Library in order to see what is in the Shared Library. Or having to go to the switcher to choose Both, Personal or Shared Library. If you are always in both libraries, you simply click on the Shared Library tab under Sharing. This way you can have a collapsing menu with Shared Library Albums similar to those in the Personal Library and like shared albums under Shared Albums. The way it is now, when you are in the Shared Library, that is pretty much all you see, except for all the empty Albums you created in the Personal Library. I can create an Album while in Shared Library, but it is listed among the Personal Library Albums. It can get very confusing/frustrating.
If Apple wants to keep Photos like it is. They should at least keep the rules the same. When in the Personal Library, show all that is accessible to you in the Personal Library. Same goes for the Shared Library, show only what is accessible to you there. And when in the Both Libraries, truly show both libraries and everything that was created and accessible in each/both libraries. Is that too much to ask?
It is much easier with both libraries being together all the time. They exist in the Main Library/System Photo Library, so treat them that way. It is the most logical way to integrate two separate libraries. All it would take is to add under the Sharing menu item, the Shared Library with dropdown possibilities for Shared Library Albums. That way you don't need the switcher. In order to see both libraries at the same time, Apple would also have to change the “Library” tab to Main/System Photo Library or just Main Library. And to add Personal Library under it with all the Albums, etc. collapsible under it. All top level items would be collapsible as to make things easier, like some are now. This is the way it should have been created in the first place. The whole point of having a library is to have easy access to all of your data in one place. Shared Library was an afterthought and stuck onto the older System Photo Library.
I have to admit that I only started using Shared Library within the last few months, that is why I am just now writing about it. I have actually learned a lot writing here. It made me look hard at how Shared Library works and its many flaws.
Please, if you do not use Shared Library, don't bother to respond.
Think for yourself. The current Photos App is not a logical way to have two libraries represented/work. Realize there can be a much better interface for two separate but integrated libraries.
Apple can do better! Apple should do better! We all have to let Apple know our thoughts to keep them creating better/great products, applications and services. I have written to Apple (apple.com/feedback) at least three times about this issue already. I'm here sharing my views for those that may agree that Photos Shared Library can be so much better and for them to choose to write to Apple to make it better.
Thank you all for participating!
