ISMF role with tape libraries

The storage administrator performs library-related functions through the use of the Interactive Storage Management Facility (ISMF) library management panels.

ISMF serves two roles in tape library management. First, it allows the storage administrator to define tape libraries in the tape configuration database (TCDB). Second, it allows the storage administrator to define tape libraries in specified source control data sets (SCDSs), making them a part of the SMS configuration when that SCDS is activated. Upon activation of an SCDS that has tape libraries defined, an operator on any console within an SMS complex can issue commands targeted for any tape library within the SMS configuration. Each change associated with an SCDS does not take effect until that SCDS is activated. Changes to the TCDB take effect the next time an SCDS that includes that tape library is activated.

Rule: Tape drives associated with either an automated tape library dataserver or a manual tape library must be defined using the hardware configuration definition (HCD). For more information on HCD requirements, see Creating the hardware configuration and to z/OS HCD User's Guide.

ISMF allows the storage administrator to define, alter, list, and display:

Tape library definitions
Tape storage group definitions
Data class definitions
Storage class definitions
Management class definitions

Managing the tape library’s volume inventory is also handled through ISMF. For more detailed information, see Using ISMF panels to define and monitor your configuration and z/OS DFSMS Using the Interactive Storage Management Facility.