Setting up iTunes on a NAS?

Question

OK, lot's of threads about this topic, but here's my dilemma:
I have a Drobo NAS with thousands of AIFF files on it (about 2.5Tb), which I had used with a Sonos system until I hit the 65,000 track limit.  So, I want to keep the files on the networked Drobo, but access them through iTunes on a MacBook Pro.  I'd like to set up a new iTunes Library on the laptop, and access the Drobo through the network.  The issue I have is every time I start to set up the new Library, iTunes tries to make a copy of the files, either on the laptop or on the NAS (depending on which method I use to add the files), rather than just creating an indexed path to the files.  I had tried option-dragging the various folders from the NAS to the open iTunes window to do this, but it still copied the orignal files to the laptop (I found this method on another discussion thread and thought it had worked, then discovered it was copying the files, rather than just indexing).
I want to keep all the metadata associated with the files, and currently they're organized into multiple folders by genre, artist, and then individual album folders are labeled starting with the year (I'm an organization freak).  I don't particularly like the "Keep iTunes music folder organized" option since I don't really like its method of organization, but I believe I need to do this to keep the metadata intact, correct?
Is "Add to Library" an option?  If so, can I just choose the main folder holding all the subfolders and "Add to Library" and keep the metatdata intact?  Makes me nervous, as I have years of time adding info/album art/notes, etc. to the files.
BTW, the path I set up to link to the Drobo was this: /Volumes/Drobomusic/NAS Music.  I had assumed this would reorganize all the files into a new iTunes Music folder in that new "NAS Music" folder on the Drobo, but when I tried both option-drag and also command-drag of a test folder of music into an open iTunes window, it still copied the files. 
So, can anyone shed some light on how to best set up a large library like this?  Thanks!

Answer 1

Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings:  Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive.  Hold down the option (alt) key (shift on Windows) and open iTunes.  At the prompt to create or choose a library choose the copied iTunes folder.
If this is to a new computer and you put the copied iTunes folder in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music  then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there.  (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.)
Windows users see tip at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18879381#18879381
Consider moving everything from your Windows PC to your Mac in a single move, including your iTunes library: About Windows Migration Assistant - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4796 - Learn about how to use Windows Migration Assistant to migrate your files from a Windows PC to a Mac.