Best way to manage large photo library

I currently use iPhoto to manage my 14,000+ images, but I am experiencing a few problems with it and wonder if ALR is a better alternative. My computer is running more and more slowly every time I add more to the library. I am worried it will crash the computer or make other applications inoperable, but am not sure what is the best way for me to manage the library.
My concerns are:
1. I have the files backed up on an external drive, but I don't want to also remove them from iPhoto because (I think) I will lose the captions I have entered for each image and the folders in which they are organized.
2. I want to increase my library of images (plus captions) and allow it to be utilized in the near future by others at my workplace by putting the library, I suppose, on an external hard drive. Can that work with ALR?
Thank you, in advance, for suggestions.

Elisaa,
LR2 is a much better storage and retrieval system than iPhoto. Plus, the LR2 editing features are simple and powerful. iPhoto has a file size threshold that is much lower than LR2.
My LR2 database is 122,000 images (has been 150k) and does just fine.
Other users are problematic with LR2; it is a single computer application with no network capabiity. Yes, you can have the database on an external drive and pass it around, but that kind of thing would not be convenient.
Chris Crumley http://chriscrumley.com

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(112502)

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As you are clearly aware, it is important for you to have backups of your important data, including all of these photos you are currently keeping on your iPhone. While it is possible to use iTunes or iCloud to do backups of your iPhone, the problem becomes how to access those backups if you have deleted the photos from your iPhone. Once you have done the backup and then removed the photos from the iPhone, the only way to access the photos is by restoring the backups to the phone. See this article for information about backups made from the iPhone -
Back up and restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iCloud or iTunes - Apple Support
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Import photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac or Windows PC - Apple Support
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Mac Basics: Time Machine backs up your Mac - Apple Support
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Happy computing,
Brett L

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Best way to manage large photo library

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