If you have several types of media, define pools based on type of media. For example, you can separate your reels and cartridges from each other by placing them in separate pools.

The volumes in these pools have no relationship to any specific device type. Although you can use device type names rather than media type names to define these pools, DFSMSrmm does not associate device type names with devices.

You might want to provide a pool of scratch volumes for a particular group of users or application. With EDG_EXIT100, you can use an exit-selected scratch pool to satisfy non-specific mount requests.

Users can also obtain volumes from a pool using the DFSMSrmm ISPF dialog or the RMM GETVOLUME subcommand. When you use the GETVOLUME subcommand, all tape mounts are specific mounts, which means that you cannot use a scratch pool and cartridge loaders.

If you have any volumes that do not meet your chosen volume naming conventions, or have a number of volumes that regularly enter and leave the removable media library, define a pool of empty shelf locations in which you can store these volumes.

When volumes arrive at the installation, define the volume to DFSMSrmm using the chosen pool ID. DFSMSrmm assigns the next available empty shelf location to the volume. Place an external label specifying the rack number on the volume to identify it.

If your removable media library is split across rooms or sites, define pools that allow easy segregation and identification of volumes based on shelf location number.