Patent ID: 8234005

Claim:
A method comprising the steps for: receiving an unload instruction from a client to move a first tape cartridge from a first tape drive to a shelf system; responding to said client that said unload instruction is accomplished before actually carrying out said unload instruction; receiving a load instruction from said client to load a second tape cartridge in said first tape drive; in response to said load instruction, moving said second tape cartridge from said shelf system to a second tape drive via a robotic transfer device; loading said second tape cartridge in said second tape drive to form a cooperating relationship; moving said first tape cartridge from said first tape drive to said shelf system after loading said second tape cartridge; receiving a second unload instruction from said client to move said second tape cartridge from said first tape drive to said shelf system; responding to said client that said second unload instruction is accomplished before actually carrying out said second unload instruction; receiving a third load instruction from said client to load a third tape cartridge in said first tape drive; moving said third tape cartridge from said shelf system to said first tape drive; loading said third tape cartridge in said first tape drive to form a cooperating relationship; and moving said second tape cartridge from said second tape drive to said shelf system after loading said third tape cartridge in said first tape drive.