Patent ID: 7551165

Claim:
In an automated data storage library system comprising a plurality of storage shelves and operational elements, said operational elements comprising at least one data storage drive, and at least one robot accessor configured to transport data storage cartridges between said storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive: a network; and a plurality of independently operating electronic devices, each said electronic device comprising: (a) a network interface to said network; (b) an electronic persistent visual display mounted on said electronic device, said electronic persistent visual display having an input, said electronic persistent visual display configured to provide a visual label display which persists indefinitely, until updated by an input signal at said input; (c) at least one said operational element for operating said automated data storage library, an operational element for at least one said electronic device comprising said at least one data storage drive and said at least one robot accessor; and (d) a processor configured to operate said at least one operational element: said processor configured to store information regarding at least one of hardware, software and firmware of said at least one operational element and said processor; and said processor configured to, in response to a predetermined state, provide an update input signal at said electronic persistent visual display input for display by said electronic persistent visual display, said update input signal comprising selected said information regarding at least one of hardware, software and firmware of said at least one operational element and said processor stored by said processor, said update signal to update said visual label display of said electronic persistent visual display.