How to use used backed up itunes on new computer?

I've been searching and searching and I can't find a specific answer to what I need to do.  This is what I want to do. 
I have a Macbook pro and I want to create a new itunes library for my husband to use for his library.  Easy enough, I found instructions on creating a new library. 
My husband already has an extensive library on an old PC that is on it's way out the door.  So I want to transfer his current itunes library to an external hard drive.  Have instructions on how to do that! 
Now all would be fine and good if I then just wanted to take his backed up itunes library from the external hard drive and import into his newly created itunes library on my computer..HOWEVER, I don't want all his music stored on my macbook's hard drive and I want his itunes library to remain on the external hard drive.  I want to point that new library to the external hard drive, so whenever he adds to it, it is stored on that external hard drive.
How do I do this?  When i initially create his library do I point it to the external hard drive.  Then copy the backed up version into that itunes folder?  Or can I point the library directly to the backed up version. 
I'd appreciate any suggestions.  I know I could probably figure this out by trial and error.  But if someone has done this I'd really appreciate a straighforward appraoch.
Thanks everyone!

I use an excellent free application called Sharepod, http://www.getsharepod.com/about/ which will transfer all your music from your iPod to your PC, then you import this into iTunes. Just use the Backup iPod mode in Sharepod, and make sure it is pointing to the right destination folder. Test one track or album before you transfer everything.
After this is complete add all the transferred music to iTunes. If you use Automatic be careful because syncing this will then erase everything on your iPod and transfer it back again from your PC! If you manually sync no problem.
Be careful as an automatic sync to your new iPod will wipe it clean! BEFORE you connect your new iPod to iTunes go to iTunes and change this option to prevent this:
+Edit-Preferences-Devices-Uncheck "Disable automatic syncing..."+
Your other music that is on cd's, just copy them into your My Music folder and then add them to iTunes.
Good luck!
Greg

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