Patent ID: 7444469

Claim:
An automated data storage library comprising: a plurality of storage shelves configured to store data storage cartridges; at least one robot accessor configured to transport said data storage cartridges; at least one data storage drive configured to read and write data with respect to data storage cartridges; at least one memory; and at least one library controller configured to operate said at least one robot accessor to transport said data storage cartridges; configured to store information regarding operation of said automated data storage library in said at least one memory; and configured to reserve at least one data storage cartridge, and to operate said at least one data storage drive and said at least one memory to transfer at least a portion of said information stored in said at least one memory to said reserved at least one data storage cartridge; and wherein said library controller additionally is configured to maintain an externally available inventory of data storage cartridges of said library, and excludes said reserved at least one data storage cartridge from said externally available inventory.