Separate Libraries Vs Single Library and Keywords

Hi,

I am looking for some advice regarding my filing structure in Aperture.

I moved to Aperture about 18 months ago when I made the transition from PC to Mac and after some thought and research took the view that in order to try to replicate my familiar Windows based filing structure I would create six separate Managed Libraries (UK, Italy, Rest of World, People, Nature & Miscellaneous). These are each subdivided into Projects/Folders/Albums. The Libraries are regularly, automatically backed up onto an external hard drive via Time Machine and also manually to a second external hard drive less frequently. Both h/d's are located together in the same room as the Mac as I can't justify the cost of a more elaborate system. The reason for the second h/d is that I recently had a drive fail. The above is just background information. My questions follow.

I have recently become impressed with the flexibility available through the use of keywords. I am now coming to the view that to utilise this function properly one global Library would be more sensible as I do have images that would have identical keywords in a number of Libraries.

Before taking this decision I would appreciate the views of anybody who may have gone down this road.

I presume that merging Libraries is not a particularly difficult task – but that may be my first error of judgement.

I am a terrible hoarder so will be forced into cleaning out my stock of useless images before starting merging. This was in fact one of my main reasons for moving to Aperture (as it does offer the tools to do the job) though something I have never managed to get round to!

I look forward to receiving advice and any WARNINGS !!

Cheers