Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for using storage slots efficiently. A storage element count is assigned to each one of multiple logical libraries, and the sum of the storage element count for each one of the multiple logical libraries exceeds the total number of storage slots in the library.

Abstract: An automated data storage library provides for reducing inventory after media access. Media is moved, inserted, or removed without opening the access door normally associated with accessed media. A media status of a data storage drive within the automated data storage library is checked. An unexpected condition is detected at the data storage drive. An inventory of at least part of the library is performed for the unexpected condition. Alternately, a move operation is initiated for a data storage media wherein an unexpected condition is detected at the source and/or target location of the move operation. An inventory of at least part of the library is performed for the unexpected condition.

Abstract: Methods, system and computer program product are provided for managing and tracking on-demand removable, serialized data resources, such as storage frames, storage drives and media, in an automated data storage library. Storage frames, data storage drives and media are tracked by the automated data storage library to prevent use or misappropriation until authorized. Alternatively, or additionally, the data storage drives may be prevented from being used until instructed to do so. In addition, the media may be prevented from being used until modification is made to the medium or cartridge memory of the data storage media.

Abstract: A method, system and a computer program product to increase the availability of an automated data storage library for accessing and storing data storage media are provided. Work requests received by an accessor controller of the library from a host computer are also received and stored by a work request tracking controller. The accessor controller converts the work request into commands necessary to direct an accessor to fulfill the work request, and then sends such commands to an accessor. Upon detection by the work request tracking controller that the so-directed accessor failed to conduct the command issued by the accessor controller, the work request tracking controller reconstructs the work request and sends it to an accessor controller.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data stored on storage media contained in cartridges in response to commands from an external host. The cartridges may include cartridge memory and a component in the library may include a cartridge memory interface for reading data from and/or writing data to the cartridge memory. When a cartridge is to be stored in the library, the library modifies the contents of the cartridge memory, or the contents of the storage media such that the data stored on the cartridge becomes inaccessible, thereby preventing access to the data outside of the library. To perform an authorized access, the library restores the contents of the cartridge memory or the storage media. Alternatively, the library provides a correction or correction algorithm to the drive to allow access to the data stored on the storage media without removing the access protection of the storage media.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from an external host. The library receives and activates a firmware update in a processor node and determines whether a library door has been opened and/or closed during the code activation. Only if a library door has been opened and/or closed will an inventory of the storage media be performed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for using storage slots efficiently. A move command is received to move a portable data storage medium from a source address to a destination address. An empty storage slot that has no association with the destination address is located. The portable data storage medium is moved from the source address to the located empty storage slot. An association is stored between the located empty storage slot and the destination address.

Abstract: A method to activate a code update in a data storage drive. The method provides a code update to the data storage drive while the data storage drive performs normal drive operations. The method then detects a host computer transparent event, and activates the code update during that host computer transparent event.