diff --git a/beets/ui/commands.py b/beets/ui/commands.py
index a6d712dbf..56f9ad1f5 100755
--- a/beets/ui/commands.py
+++ b/beets/ui/commands.py
@@ -1186,7 +1186,7 @@ def update_items(lib, query, album, move, pretend, fields):
 
 def update_func(lib, opts, args):
     # Verify that the library folder exists to prevent accidental wipes.
-    if not os.path.exists(lib.directory):
+    if not os.path.isdir(lib.directory):
         ui.print_("Library path is unavailable or does not exist.")
         ui.print_(lib.directory)
         if not ui.input_yn("Are you sure you want to continue (y/n)?", True):