External HD as iTunes library for 2+ Macs

Hello,
I am looking for the best way for my external hard drive to serve as the iTunes library for both my work iMac and my personal MacBook.
If possible I want to be able to add music (from CD - yes I still like to support my local record shop - and from iTunes Store) to the library while using one computer, and have that automatically show up in iTunes when I open it on the other computer. Can this be done without having to select the new files and click "Add to library" every single time I open my other computer's iTunes? I sometimes go long periods without using one of my computers and add lots of music to my library, so it's tough to remember exactly what is new. If that can't be automatic, is there an easy way to search for the new files that aren't yet visible on the iTunes screen?
So basically I want to know if my all of the content and brains of my iTunes can be on an external HD that can be used with multiple computers, and each computer I use simply serves as a controller for that iTunes library and scans for updates each time it opens. I'm not interested in options that involve using a cloud/match/sharing service, as I am often without internet service.
Thanks so much!

Quit iTunes.
Drag the iTunes folder in the home folder to the trash but do NOT empty it yet.
Start iTunes and see if the songs play. No need to hold the Option key.
If everything works (play a song), you can empty the trash.
I rather not have to hit option everytime i load itunes
No need. iTunes will use the last library opened.
In order to access the music and library, you need to have the external connected and ready BEFORE you launch iTunes, else it will go back to the default location (Users/username/music) and create a new iTunes folder.
If this happens, simply hold the Option key again and choose the external drive.
You can use this drive on the other computer.
Simply plug it in and start iTunes while holding the Option key. This only needs to be done the first time unless you start iTunes with the external drive not attached then do as above.

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