Sharing iTunes library without iTunes running?

[majordude]

Is there a way to share my iTunes library on my local home network without iTunes running?

And how about the same thing on a PC?

 

[QuarterSwede]

If the other computers are running iTunes sure. All you have to do is point it to the library that you want to share. On a Mac hold Option when starting iTunes. Then a dialog will pop up asking to locate the library. In Windows I think you hold Shift.

When you want the original library back just quit and reopen doing the same (holding option [Mac] or shift [Win]).

Note: Only one computer can be running from a single library at a time or you will experience issues.

 

[majordude]

What I am trying to do is share it with my iPad and iPhone.

 

[QuarterSwede]

What I am trying to do is share it with my iPad and iPhone.

iTunes has to be on in that case.

However, iTunes Match is currently in beta testing and is rumored to be released in October. It would allow you to have access to your entire library from the cloud.