Entering a tape cartridge into a tape library

To enter tape cartridges into an automated tape library dataserver, place the cartridges into an input station of the library. The following actions occur once the cartridges are placed in the input station:

The library vision system reads the external label of each cartridge to be entered into the library.
The library manager notifies all connected systems that there are cartridges to be entered into the tape library dataserver.
The cartridge entry installation exit (CBRUXENT) is invoked to approve or deny the request to enter the cartridges into the library.
The volume record in the TCDB is created or updated.

Tip: To force cartridge entry processing to occur on a particular system, use the LIBRARY DISABLE command. For more information concerning this command, see Disabling installation exit processing.

Tape cartridges are identified in a VTS at the library manager console through volume serial number ranges. When a native cartridge, identified as a stacked volume, is entered into a library, the volume is recognized as being a VTS managed volume and is not reported to the host as a newly entered volume. Thus, a volume record for the stacked volume is neither created or maintained in the tape configuration database (TCDB). However, the volumes identified at the library manager console as being logical volumes are placed in the insert category and are processed as part of normal cartridge entry. A volume record for the logical volume is created and maintained in the TCDB. If a logical volume fails cartridge entry processing, the logical volume is purged from the library manager database. For information concerning entering logical volumes into a VTS, see Importing logical volumes into a 3494 VTS system.

Note: If you have enabled the library for outboard policy management support and if you are defining the logical volumes to the library, the library supports the preassignment of constructs to a volume or a range of volumes. However, this preassignment of constructs is not recommended in the system-managed tape environment. The host, even in coexistence, can reset the preassigned construct names during entry processing. It is recommended that you let the host assign the appropriate constructs during entry and job processing.

Tape cartridges can be entered into a manual tape library through the use of the CBRXLCS manual cartridge entry (MCE) programming interface, or through use of the LIBRARY ENTER command. The following actions occur:

The cartridge entry installation exit (CBRUXENT) is invoked to approve or deny the entry request.
The volume record in the TCDB is created or updated.

For more information on manual cartridge entry (MCE), see Manual cartridge entry (MCE). For more information on the LIBRARY ENTER command, see Entering a tape volume into an MTL.

Tip: You can also use sample program CBRSPLCS to enter volumes into a manual tape library.