Abstract: An automated data storage library of unique design includes a plurality of storage cell magazines containing storage cells for holding storage media cartridges therein. A picker mechanism having multiple direction capability is positioned for accessing and transporting the storage media cartridges between at least three adjacent storage cell magazines. The picker mechanism includes a pair of gripper pickers configured for releasably gripping and supporting the storage media cartridges during transport between the storage cells. The picker mechanism is rotatable so that one of the grippers can be utilized to access two of the adjacent storage cell magazines while the second gripper accesses the third storage cell magazine. For increased efficiency, the picker mechanism can be positioned between opposing columns of storage cell magazines together with a single storage cell column at one end.

Abstract: A data storage system provides the data security afforded by write-once, read-many storage media and the lower cost afforded by rewritable storage media. To effectively write protect data, the system generates a protective code based upon the data to be stored, stores the protective code and a data identification on WORM media and stores the data and the location of the protective code on rewritable media. When the data is later read, it is verified by reading the data, generating a new protective code from the data and comparing the new code with the original code. Any difference between the two protective codes indicates that the data has been altered.