Device element allocation manager and method for a multi-library system

Abstract

A method and apparatus that enables multiple host connections with a multi-library system that allows dynamic tracking of all physical cartridge locations and provides continuous updates, while intercepting move or exchange commands from multiple hosts, converting them to the physical element address locations, and executing the commands. The system having a switching matrix for selectively connecting a plurality of hosts to drives for reading and writing data on data storage media, logic, operatively coupled to switching matrix, for providing a control signal to the switching matrix to connect a first host to a first drive, accessor controller for providing control signals to at least one accessor for instructing the at least one accessor to access data storage media in the library system and to move data storage media between the bins and the drives, and a processor, operatively coupled to the logic and the accessor controller, for controlling the logic and the accessor controller in response to a command from the first host to move a desired data storage media to the first drive and to read and write data on the desired data storage media.