Returning volumes to the system-managed library

Normally system-managed volumes remain resident in the system-managed library, unless they are removed for movement to an offsite location for physical inspection or for error recovery. When volumes are to be returned to an automated system-managed library, enter the volumes into the appropriate entry station. DFSMSrmm is notified that the move has taken place. When volumes are returned to a manual system-managed library, you must confirm the movement to DFSMSrmm so that DFSMSrmm can initiate entry processing.

There might be times when a volume is not in a system-managed library but is needed for processing to continue. z/OS includes a function called Volume-Not-In-Library (VNL) processing that allows a volume to be identified for re-entry to a system-managed library at various stages of system processing:

Job step setup
Device allocation
Library mount

The CBRUXVNL OAM installation exit provides support so that a volume that is needed for processing to continue can be entered back into the library. Logical volumes that are exported must be imported to enable them to be used for processing.

For volumes that are defined in the DFSMSrmm control data set, information is provided to determine if the volume can be entered into the library. DFSMSrmm issues messages that provide location, movement, and status information during VNL processing.

If the volume entering the library is marked as "intransit" to other than a system-managed library, ensure that the move for the volume is confirmed as completed. Otherwise the volume entry will be rejected.

Refer to Managing system-managed tape library volumes: EDGLCSUX for information on using CBRUXVNL and other OAM installation exits.

When you regularly store system managed volumes outside of a system managed library and also have the home location set to SHELF (or some other LOCDEF-defined storage location with a type of HOME), you can ensure that the volumes will be called for by CBRUXVNL by using either the:

SMSTAPE(PURGE(NO)) option, or
SMSTAPE(PURGE(ASIS)) option and ensure that the library eject default is set to KEEP. This enables you to be selective about the libraries to which the purge/keep option applies.

Either option results in the TCDB volume entry being retained while the volume is ejected. The DFSMSrmm supplied sample exit checks if the TCDB entry exists and, for DFSMSrmm managed volumes, will prompt the operator to re-enter the volume into a library.