Patent Publication Number: US-9431049-B2

Title: Load balancing and space efficient big data tape management

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to big data tape management, and more particularly to a tape library frame for space-saving and load-balancing in a tape library cluster. 
     In big data tape management systems, data is digitally stored on a magnetic tape media (i.e., tapes). Reading and writing of the information stored on the tapes is executed by a tape drive. Tape drives are arranged in a column within a tape library. Tape libraries are divided into a plurality of frames, and tapes are stored within the plurality of frames in the tape library. Tapes are stored within the plurality of frames in the tape library separately from the tape drives. An alignment system selects a tape and transfers it to a vacant tape drive via an x-y-z rail system (i.e., a mechanical armature capable of moving horizontally on an x-axis, vertically on a y-axis, and diagonally on a z-axis). A plurality of tape libraries can be interconnected and organized spatially in columns and rows. 
     Typically, tape enterprise technology combines sixteen frames per one library. Sixteen tape libraries can be linked together with each other in a library cluster. A top unit can be used to move tapes between different library enclosures (i.e., a library interconnect). Library interconnects are used to leverage the workload between one or more libraries. 
     Presently, state of the art technology can store a maximum of 8.5 terabytes of uncompressed data on a single tape. Global digital data requires approximately 3.5×10 9  tapes to store the information. Future estimates suggest that the world wide stored data will consume the equivalent of 1000 fully equipped tape enterprise libraries. Translated into floor space, 1000 fully equipped tape enterprise libraries would produce a library footprint equivalent to three soccer fields. 
     The growth rate for digitally stored data is approximately 2 n/2 , with n equal to the number of years. This means tape enterprise libraries capable of handling the growth in digitally stored data in ten years would produce a library footprint equivalent to 96 soccer fields. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, computer program product, and system for tape management. The method includes retrieving one or more tapes from one or more tape library frames in a first tape library. The method includes inserting the one or more tapes into the one or more tape library frames in the first tape library. The method includes transferring the one or more tapes from the one or more tape library frames in the first tape library to one or more tape library frames in a second tape library. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a big data tape management environment, generally designated  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  200 , for a fixed passing tunnel module and a flexible passing tunnel module, such as FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106 , respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a configuration diagram of a tape library, generally designated  300 , including a plurality of tape library frames, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  400 , illustrating a plurality of tape library frames interconnected in a space efficient library management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  500 , illustrating a configuration of a plurality of tape libraries in a space efficient library management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  600 , illustrating components of an underlying rail system for moving one or more tape libraries in a space efficient library management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  700 , for illustrating a process for transferring a tape from a first tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102 , to a second tape library frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention recognize that future big data growth will impact big data tape management environments. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a tape library frame for a space-saving, load-balancing library cluster including a tape passing module for passing a tape from one tape library to another. Embodiments of the present invention provide a space efficient management system including a movement system for moving each single tape library into a close position relative to other tape libraries in the library cluster in order to minimize the footprint of the library cluster, pass one or more tapes from one tape library frame to another, and allow for a flexible power and network connectivity system. 
     Implementation of such embodiments may take a variety of forms, and exemplary implementation details are discussed subsequently with reference to the Figures. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device, such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figures.  FIG. 1  illustrates a portion of a big data tape management environment, generally designated  100 , including a tape library frame  102  for space-saving and load-balancing within big data tape management environment  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of tape library frames, such as tape library frame  102 , can be interconnected to form one or more tape libraries. The one or more tape libraries can be organized into a plurality of columns evenly spaced within a floor space (i.e., within a designated space within, for example, a building, a warehouse, etc.). In another embodiment, one or more tape libraries may be stacked atop the one or more tape libraries organized into the plurality of columns to satisfy demands imposed by future growth of big data management, within existing floor space, by effectively building up, as opposed to building out. In the exemplary embodiment, tape library frame  102  includes one or more components, including, but not limited to, a flexible passing tunnel module (FPTMa)  104 , a fixed passing tunnel module (FPTMb)  106 , one or more tape drives  108 , a tape picker  110 , an XY accessor  112 , an X-rail  114 , and an underlying rail system  116 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMa  104  is an enclosed tunnel module for passing one or more tapes between one or more tape library frames, such as tape library frame  102 . FPTMa  104  is positioned on the front side of tape library frame  102  to receive one or more tapes from the back side of an interconnected tape library frame. In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMa  104  is located in a vacant tape drive slot (not shown) within tape library frame  102  above one or more tape drive slots occupied by one or more tape drives  108 . In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMa  104  is capable of moving up and down within tape library frame  102  to enable tape picker  110  to place one or more tapes into FPTMb  106 . FPTMa  104  is discussed in further detail in subsequent Figures. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMb  106  is an enclosed tunnel module for passing one or more tapes between one or more tape library frames, such as tape library frame  102 . FPTMb  106  is positioned at the back side of tape library frame  102  to transport one or more tapes to the front side of an interconnected tape library frame. In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMb  106  is located in a vacant tape drive slot (not shown) within tape library frame  102  above one or more tape drive slots occupied by one or more tape drives  108 . FPTMb  106  is discussed in further detail in subsequent Figures. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, tape drives  108  are data storage devices for executing read and write information on one or more magnetic tapes (i.e., tapes). In the exemplary embodiment, tape drives  108  are arranged in a column within tape library frame  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, tape drives  108  and the one or more tapes are stored separately within the tape library (i.e., tapes are stored separately from tape drives  108 , in one or more tape library frames dedicated for tape storage). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, tape picker  110  is an assembly within tape library frame  102  for retrieving the one or more tapes from a plurality of tape storage slots within a tape library (i.e., within one or more interconnected tape library frames dedicated for tape storage), and transporting the one or more tapes to tape drives  108  for read and write execution, or FPTMb  106  for transport to an interconnected tape library frame, such as a tape library frame similar to tape library frame  102 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, XY accessor  112  is an assembly for manipulating tape picker  110  within tape library frame  102  and a plurality of interconnected tape library frames. In the exemplary embodiment, XY accessor  112  is capable of moving tape picker  110  up and down on an X-axis, left and right on a Y-axis, and diagonally on a Z-axis. XY accessor  112  includes an electronic motor (not shown), or any other suitable mechanism facilitating movement of the assembly within the tape library. For example, XY accessor  112  enables tape picker  110  within tape library frame  102  to move left through one or more interconnected tape library frames until tape picker  110  reaches its destination tape library frame. Within that tape library frame, XY accessor  112  enables tape picker  110  to move up a column of stored tapes to retrieve a tape from a plurality of tape storage slots within that tape library frame. Once a tape is retrieved, XY accessor  112  enables tape picker  110  to move back to tape library frame  102  with the retrieved tape and insert the tape into one or more tape drives  108  for executing read and write information. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, X-rail  114  is a rail assembly enabling XY accessor  112  to move left and right within a tape library. XY accessor  112  is attached to X-rail  114  by a wheel-on-rail assembly, or any other suitable mechanism for attaching an assembly to a rail to facilitate movement along an X-axis. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, underlying rail system  116  is a rail system for moving tape library frame  102 , a plurality of interconnected tape library frames, or a tape library, within defined floor space in a big data tape management environment. Underlying rail system  116  is discussed in further detail in subsequent Figures. 
       FIG. 2  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  200 , for a fixed passing tunnel module and a flexible passing tunnel module, such as FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106 , respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, tapes  202  are magnetic cartridges for storing read and write information. FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  are mechanisms configured to receive and transport tapes  202  within a tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  are characterized by having a spring loaded side  208  and a motor drive side  210  for moving tapes  202  forward and backward. Spring loaded side  208  includes one or more rollers  206 , which are spring loaded, free-spinning, and not driven by any motor, and belt  204 . Spring loaded side  208  provide spring-assisted pressure to tapes  202  via rollers  206  and belt  204  to enable FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106 , in conjunction with motor drive side  210 , to move tapes  202  forward and backward, as well as eject or pass tapes  202  to one or more interconnected tape library frames. Motor drive side  210  includes one or more rollers  206 , which are driven by an electric motor, or any other suitable mechanism for actuating rollers  206  simultaneously in a forward or backward direction. Rollers  206  on motor drive side  210  are fixed position rollers having a belt  204 . Belt  204  is a circulating closed flat rubber belt for contacting both tapes  202  and rollers  206  simultaneously within FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106 . For example, the integrated transportation mechanism of FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  operates similarly to a conveyor belt, such that spring loaded side  208  provides spring-assisted pressure to tapes  202  sufficient to contact tapes  202  with motor drive side  210  to contact belt  204  moving around a plurality of rollers  206  driven by an electronic motor. 
     In another embodiment, additional rollers  206  may be placed in the bottom of both FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  to provide ease of movement for tapes  202  through FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106 . 
       FIG. 3  is a configuration diagram of a tape library, generally designated  300 , including a plurality of tape library frames, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, tape library  300  includes one or more tape library frames, such as tape library frame  102  and tape library frame  302 , tape library frame  306 , and tape library frame  310 . Tape library frame  102  includes one or more components, including, but not limited to, a flexible passing tunnel module (FPTMa)  104 , one or more tape drives  108 , a tape picker  110 , an XY accessor  112 , and an X-rail  114 . Tape library frame  302 ,  306 , and  310  each include one or more tapes, such as tapes  304 ,  308 , and  312 , respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, tape library frame  102  is interconnected with tape library frame  310 ,  306 , and  302 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMa  104  can be located in the most right tape library frame in the tape library, such as tape library frame  102 , and in the most left tape library frame in the tape library, such as tape library frame  302 . The location of FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  (not shown) is limited to the most left tape library frame and the most right tape library frame due to the movement of XY accessor  112  left and right on X-rail  114  (i.e., mechanical barrier created by movement on an X-axis). Positioning FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  in the most left and most right tape library frame maximizes access to a plurality of tapes within tapes  304 ,  308 , and  312  achievable by tape picker  110 . For example, XY accessor  112  can move left through tape library frame  310 ,  306 , and  302  to enable tape picker  110  to retrieve one or more tapes from tapes  312 ,  308 , and  304 , respectively, and transport the one or more tapes to tape drives  108  or to an interconnected tape library frame through FPTMb  106 . 
       FIG. 4  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  400 , illustrating a plurality of tape library frames interconnected in a space efficient library management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, tape library  402  and tape library  404  are tape libraries including a plurality of tape library frames, such as tape library frame  406 ,  408 ,  410 ,  412 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422 , and  424 . In the exemplary embodiment, tape library frame  406  of tape library  404  and tape library frame  418  of tape library  402  each include a flexible passing tunnel module, such as FPTMa  104 , and a fixed passing tunnel module, such as FPTMb  106 , respectively. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, a tape transfer connection  416  is established between tape library frame  406  and tape library frame  418  when the tape library frame  406  of tape library  404  is moved into a closed, non-maintenance position with tape library frame  418  of tape library  402 . Tape transfer connection  416  is a mechanical connection for transfer of tapes between tape library  404  and  402  through FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  of tape library frame  406  and tape library frame  418 , respectively. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, tape library  402  and tape library  404  can be moved in a forward and backward direction parallel to FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106 , moving tape library  402  and tape library  404  into a plurality of configurations via underlying rail system  116 . Underlying rail system  116  is discussed in further detail in subsequent Figures. 
       FIG. 5  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  500 , illustrating a configuration of a plurality of tape libraries in a space efficient library management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tape libraries, including, but not limited to a tape library  506 ,  508 ,  510 ,  512 , and  514 , are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows. Tape library  506 ,  508 , and  510  are in a closed, non-maintenance position relative to one another. Similarly, tape library  512  and  514  are in a closed, non-maintenance position relative to one another. In the exemplary embodiment, tape library  510  and  512  are in an open, maintenance position relative to one another. A maintenance gap  502  is the gap of open floor space created between tape library  510  and  512  when they are moved into an open, maintenance position. Maintenance gap  502  provides service (i.e., troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, etc.) related access to a plurality of tape library frames included within a tape library, such as tape library  512 . In the exemplary embodiment, maintenance gap  502  can be created between any two tape libraries in a plurality of tape libraries by moving the plurality of tape libraries left and right on underlying rail system  116 . In the exemplary embodiment, moving tape libraries, such as tape library  506  and tape library  508  into a closed, non-maintenance position allows FPTMa  104  and FPTMb  106  to establish a mechanical connection for transfer of tapes between tape libraries. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of tape libraries can be moved into a closed, non-maintenance position with one another to establish a plurality of mechanical connections, such as mechanical connections  504 . Underlying rail system  116  is discussed in further detail in subsequent Figures. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the one or more tape library frames of the one or more tape libraries, such as tape library  506 ,  508 ,  510 ,  512 , and  514  are interconnected by a plurality of mount points. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of mount points fix the one or more tape library frames together to form an interconnected column of tape library frames that, together, make up the one or more tape libraries. 
       FIG. 6  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  600 , illustrating components of an underlying rail system for moving one or more tape libraries in a space efficient library management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, an underlying rail system, such as underlying rail system  116 , includes an underlying frame  602 , an electric motor  604 , a wheel  606 , and a rail  608 . In the exemplary embodiment, a tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102 , can be placed within underlying frame  602  to enable movement of the tape library frame on one or more rails, such as rail  608 . Underlying frame  602  has one or more wheels, such as wheel  606 , attached at each corner. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, rail  608  mates to wheel  606 , enabling the forward and backward movement of underlying frame  602  on one or more rails, such as rail  608 . In the exemplary embodiment, electric motor  604  is an electronic motor capable of powering one or more wheels, such as wheel  606 , to drive the one or more wheels, enabling forward and backward movement of underlying frame  602  on one or more rails, such as rail  608 . In the exemplary embodiment, electric motor  604  can be attached to underlying frame  602  and one or more wheels, such as wheel  606 . In another embodiment, electric motor  604  may be fitted inside of a tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102 , and mated to one or more wheels attached to underlying frame  602 . In another embodiment, electric motor  604  may be any suitable motor or driving device capable of powering a wheel, such as wheel  606 , to enable forward and backward movement along a rail, such as rail  608 . 
       FIG. 7  is a configuration diagram, generally designated  700 , for illustrating a process for transferring a tape from a first tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102 , to a second tape library frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, a tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102  is shown to illustrate a process for transferring a tape, such as tape  708 , from a first tape library frame, such as tape library frame  102 , to a second tape library frame (not shown). 
     The process begins with tape picker  110  retrieving tape  708  from a tape drive (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, tape  708 , a magnetic tape for storing read and write information, is loaded into a tape drive. Tape picker  110  retrieves tape  708  from the tape drive by attaching to tape  708 , causing release of tape  708  from the tape drive, and drawing tape  708  into a slot within tape picker  110  for transport. In another embodiment, tape picker  110  may retrieve tape  708  from a tape slot (not shown) by moving left along X-rail  114  until it reaches the tape slot containing tape  708 . Tape picker  110  retrieves tape  708  from the tape slot by attaching to tape  708 , causing release of tape  708  from the tape slot, and drawing tape  708  into a slot within tape picker  110  for transport. Tape picker  110  moves right along X-rail  114  until it reaches a position in tape library frame  102  in line with flexible passing tunnel module  104 . 
     Next, tape picker  110  moves up along XY accessor  112 , contacting the bottom side of flexible passing tunnel module (FPTMa)  104 , thereby raising up FPTMa  104  along a flexible guiding mechanism  706 , exposing an opening in fixed passing tunnel module (FPTMb)  106 . 
     Next, tape picker  110  inserts tape  708  into the opening in FPTMb  106 . In the exemplary embodiment, FPTMb  106  includes a sensor (not shown) that notices when a tape, such as tape  708 , is positioned to be inserted into FPTMb  106 . Tape picker  110  inserts tape  708  into FPTMb  106  in a similar fashion to loading a tape into a tape drive, such as tape drives  108 . 
     In response to tape picker  110  inserting tape  708  into FPTMb  106 , tape picker  110  moves down along XY accessor  112 , simultaneously lowering FPTMa  104  along flexible guiding mechanism  706  until FPTMa  104  reaches the bottom of flexible guiding mechanism  706 , lining up with the opening of FPTMb  106 . In the exemplary embodiment, when FPTMa  104  is in line with FPTMb  106 , the opening previously exposed in FPTMb  106  is closed, thereby creating a continuous passing tunnel module, and tape  708  is successfully loaded into FPTMb  106 . Once successfully loaded, tape  708  is ready for transfer to the second tape library frame, oriented in a closed, non-maintenance position to the first tape library frame, through a mechanical tape transfer connection. 
     Finally, FPTMb  106  transports tape  708  to the second tape library frame by moving tape  708  from tape library frame front  702  to tape library frame rear  704 , where tape  708  will exit the first tape library frame, and enter the second tape library frame, through a mechanical tape transfer connection established by the closed, non-maintenance position shared between the first tape library frame and the second tape library frame. In the exemplary embodiment, the closed, non-maintenance position shared between the first tape library frame and the second tape library frame is established by the first tape library frame and the second tape library frame moving forwards and backwards along underlying rail system  116 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the process for transferring a tape from a first tape library frame to a second tape library frame is powered by a flexible library power and network connectivity system (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible library power and network connectivity system allows the movement of a plurality of tape library frames, such as tape library frame  102 , within a space efficient library management system, and allows for transferring one or more tapes, such as tape  708 , between the plurality of tape library frames within the space efficient library management system. In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible library power and network connectivity system can be a cable roll system. In another embodiment, where the structure housing the space efficient library management system permits, a long cable connection may descend from the top of a ceiling, eliminating the cable roll system.