If anyone can offer any specific suggestions I would really appreciate it...
One of the reasons that you may be getting conflicting information is because the Arduino IDE has been evolving so answers posted in old threads (such as this one which you resurrected after 10 months) may no longer be valid.
The search function at the upper right of each page will sometimes yield some useful information. Have you tried searching for ywRobot I2C LCD ?
A google search for something like ywRobot I2C LCD site:arduino.cc will typically give better results.
As far as the library location is concerned you should not go wrong if you follow the advice here: --> http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Libraries
I don't think I'm going to be able to get my lcd working. I did find an I2C Scanner that worked just fine and returned the address 0x27.
That's a good start. If the searches don't help then start a new thread. Before you do this be sure to look at the sticky post titled How to use this forum - please read . Pay particular attention to item #11.
Don