Kodi Library Integration

What is Library integration in Kodi /XBMC?

Libraries in the early versions of XBMC (which is now called Kodi) were storage devices or folders which held a full video or music file, this file would then show up with added fanart, information and data in an extended list. As Kodi is now often used to handle streaming media files this system has evolved, a number of Kodi addons allow special small .strm files to be added to the library and appear as if you have the complete file on your device.

The most successful streaming addon which best uses library integration is the Genesis addon, most guides to library integration use Genesis to demonstrate how to set up your library for streaming files.
If you have not already installed Genesis it can be installed from the lambda repository or install it using the total installer guide.

Genesis Library Integration Video.

If you are using a different skin on your version of Kodi it is normally best to switch back to the basic confluence screen to setup the library as the menus will then match up with the tutorial. After you have integrated the library you can then switch back to whatever skin you prefer. Generally all your settings are kept intact when switching between skins.

One of the best skins that works well with an integrated library and can be modified very easily is Acrtic Zephyr, this skin is fantastic and is highly recommended.

If you have watched the tutorial on library integration you will know that you have to add your library as a source for it to work.
You can find the destination library folder from withing the genesis addon itself by selecting TOOLS - LIBRARY - SETTINGS: make a note of the folder, it will be different depending on your operating system. For Linux it is special://usedata/addon_data/plugin.video.genesis/Movies.