Abstract: An apparatus for picking and placing media supported in stores and drives of a data storage library without electrical actuation or separate mechanical actuation means of grasping and releasing the media's pick feature, the apparatus including: a carriage movable toward and away from the media, the media being supported in the stores and drives; at least one picker member pivotally attached to the carriage at a pivot point and having a latching portion adapted to engage the media's pick feature. The picker member is movable between an open state wherein the latching portion is spaced from the media's pick feature and a closed state wherein the latching portion engages the media's pick feature. The apparatus also includes a spring having a first end attached to the carriage and a second end attached to the picker member.

Abstract: A universal media module for use with a data storage library system containing at least one storage array for holding at least one universal media module. The universal media module is removable from the storage array. The universal media module is capable of containing a variety of media cartridges of various sizes, and the media cartridges may vary in size in at least one dimension. The universal media module has a housing having a top wall, bottom wall, side walls, rear wall, and an open front; a mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the data storage library system; and at least one media storage slot formed by supporting members engaging the side walls of the housing and extending along the side walls from the open front to the rear wall.