- Shared libraries
Shared libraries are logical libraries that are represented physically by SCSI, 349X, ACSLS, or VTL libraries. The physical library is controlled by the Tivoli Storage Manager server that is configured as a library manager. Tivoli Storage Manager servers that use the SHARED library type are library clients to the library manager server. Shared libraries reference a library manager. - Automated cartridge system library software libraries
An automated cartridge system library software (ACSLS) library is a type of external library that is controlled by Oracle StorageTek ACSLS media-management software. The server can act as a client application to the ACSLS software to use the drives. - Manual libraries
In manual libraries, operators mount the volumes in response to mount-request messages issued by the server. - SCSI libraries
A SCSI library is controlled through a SCSI interface, attached either directly to the server's host using SCSI cabling or by a storage area network. A robot or other mechanism automatically handles volume mounts and dismounts. - Virtual tape libraries
A virtual tape library (VTL) is a hardware component that can emulate a tape library while using a disk as the underlying storage hardware. - 349X libraries
A 349X library is a collection of drives in an IBM 3494. Volume mounts and dismounts are handled automatically by the library. A 349X library has one or more library management control points (LMCP) that the server uses to mount and dismount volumes in a drive. Each LMCP provides an independent interface to the robot mechanism in the library. - External libraries
An external library is a collection of drives that are managed by an external media-management system that is not part of Tivoli Storage Manager. The server provides an interface that allows external media management systems to operate with the server. 
Zosmedia libraries
A zosmedia library represents a tape or disk storage resource that is attached with a Fibre Channel connection (FICON®) and is managed by Tivoli Storage Manager for z/OS® Media.
Parent topic: Tivoli Storage Manager storage objects