I forgot to mention another point that I had been thinking about. I stopped using "generic" library parts about 14 years ago. What I mean is, I no longer select R as a part, then fill it in on the schematic. I create separate parts for each value, size, or whatever parameter. Then I select a part based on exactly what it will be, such as my 12K_5%_0402 below. Kicad makes this very easy since you can edit the library in a text editor and just change the values. I built up all values of 5% 0402 resistors this way and then spend no more time filling in values. This also lets me have the library contain the part numbers from 1 or more distributors so they get output into the bill of materials without further typing. In the case of Kicad, this also means I don't have to associate a component to module for these parts.
In any case, this was another possible reason why a common library might not be acceptable since most users would not want to buy from the same distributors. Just my thoughts... Doug # # 12K_5%_0402 # DEF 12K_5%_0402 R 0 0 N N 1 F N F0 "R" -100 10 60 V V C C F1 "12K_5%_0402" 100 60 60 V V C C F4 "541-12KJCT-ND" 50 -350 50 H I C C "DigiKey" F5 "NA" 0 -450 50 H I C C "Mouser" $FPLIST SM0402 $ENDFPLIST DRAW S -40 150 40 -150 0 1 0 N X ~ 1 0 250 100 D 50 50 1 1 P X ~ 2 0 -250 100 U 50 50 1 1 P ENDDRAW ENDDEF
