In one general embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, by the computer, a request to access a first magnetic recording tape. A determination is made, by the computer, whether the first magnetic recording tape is currently loaded in a tape drive. In response to determining that the first magnetic recording tape is not currently loaded in a tape drive, a determination is made, by the computer, of an amount of time to unmount and unload a magnetic recording tape from each of at least two tape drives each having a magnetic recording tape loaded therein. The tape drive with the shortest amount of time to unmount and unload the magnetic recording tape loaded therein is selected and instructed to unload the magnetic recording tape loaded therein. The first magnetic recording tape is caused to be loaded into the selected tape drive.

A method comprising: determining, by a tape library, respective tape densities supported by each of a plurality of tape drives and respective tape densities indicated for each of a plurality of tape cartridges; receiving, by the tape library, a command to load a given one of the tape cartridges into a given one of the tape drives; determining, by the tape library, that the indicated tape density for the given tape cartridge matches a tape density supported by the given tape drive; and in response to the determination that the tape densities match, configuring, by the tape library, the given tape drive to initialize the given tape cartridge to the tape density indicated for the given tape cartridge.

A data storage system that moves and transfers components utilizing drones is disclosed. The data storage system comprises a data storage library for reading and writing of data on a plurality of data storage cartridges, at least one drone vehicle, a processing device, and a non-transitory, computer-readable memory containing programming instructions. The programming instructions are configured to cause the processing device to: receive a request to transfer a data storage component to a destination location in the data storage library, in response to receiving the request, instruct a drone vehicle to perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location, and perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location by the drone vehicle.

The present description is directed to moving a cartridge including a storage medium within a shuttle complex that includes numerous shuttle connections, and a plurality of library strings connected by at least one shuttle connection. Each shuttle connection has a car able to move within the shuttle connection and each library string has at least one cartridge including a storage medium. The shuttle complex identifies a library string that contains the access-cartridge (LSAC), identifies whether there is a drive within the LSAC that has a second cartridge mounted therein which comprises only inactive data chunks, removes the second cartridge from the drive within the LSAC if an elapsed time since the drive within the LSAC most recently accessed the second cartridge exceeds a predetermined time period threshold, and mounts the access-cartridge to the drive within the LSAC.

A tape library storage system, keeps track of the identity(ies) of the drive unit(s) that write upon the storage medium of each tape cartridge, and associates the drive unit identity information with the data that each drive writes. The system writes the associated identity information in the tape cartridge memory and/or inserts the information in an index and writes the index on the tape. If a read error occurs when attempting to read data from the tape, the system, by reference to the associated identity information, determines the identity of the original tape drive that had written the data, and transfers the cartridge to the original drive to attempt again to read the data.

A method comprising: determining, by a tape library, respective tape densities supported by each of a plurality of tape drives and respective tape densities indicated for each of a plurality of tape cartridges; receiving, by the tape library, a command to load a given one of the tape cartridges into a given one of the tape drives; determining, by the tape library, that the indicated tape density for the given tape cartridge matches a tape density supported by the given tape drive; and in response to the determination that the tape densities match, configuring, by the tape library, the given tape drive to initialize the given tape cartridge to the tape density indicated for the given tape cartridge.

A system includes a processor and logic integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor. The logic is configured to receive a request to store data on media and obtain a data key. The logic is configured to generate an encryption encapsulated data key using the data key and generate a session encrypted data key using the data key. The logic is further configured to provide the session encrypted data key to a machine configured to write encrypted data to the data storage media for use by the machine in writing encrypted data to the data storage media. The logic is configured to provide the encryption encapsulated data key to the machine for enabling the machine to store the encryption encapsulated data key with the data on the data storage media.

Embodiments for predetermining optimal demount position for demounting data storage cartridges in an automated data storage library by a processor. A selected demount position may be predetermined, while performing one of a plurality of robotic movements by an accessor, for each mounted data storage cartridge for demounting data storage cartridges in the automated data storage library. The selected demount position is recalculated for each mounted data storage cartridge for demounting the data storage cartridges while performing a subsequent demount operation, where the selected demount position is determined according to the recalculation prior to a demount command being issued. Accordingly, the idle time of the accessor during a demount operation may be reduced.

A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a request to store data on media, and generating a data key. An encryption encapsulated data key is generated using the data key. A session encrypted data key is generated using the data key. The encryption encapsulated data key and session encrypted data key are provided for use in writing encrypted data to the media. A method according to another embodiment includes receiving a request to read data from media, and receiving an encryption encapsulated data key. The encryption encapsulated data key is processed to obtain a data key. A session encrypted data key is generated using the data key. The encryption encapsulated data key and session encrypted data key are provided for use in reading the encrypted data from the media.

A tape library storage system, keeps track of the identity(ies) of the drive unit(s) that write upon the storage medium of each tape cartridge, and associates the drive unit identity information with the data that each drive writes. The system writes the associated identity information in the tape cartridge memory and/or inserts the information in an index and writes the index on the tape. If a read error occurs when attempting to read data from the tape, the system, by reference to the associated identity information, determines the identity of the original tape drive that had written the data, and transfers the cartridge to the original drive to attempt again to read the data.