Archival data storage library

A method for operating an archival data storage library, the method comprising:

• transferring, by an automated disk handling mechanism, magnetic-recording disk media between a disk storage enclosure in which the disk media are housed and at least one data storage device (DSD) configured to write to and read from the disk media;
• hermetically enclosing, by a hermetic enclosure, the disk media, the disk storage enclosure, the at least one DSD, and the disk handling mechanism;
• filtering, by a gas circulation system, contaminants from an internal environment of the hermetic enclosure;
• receiving, by an automated disk handling shuttle, the disk media from the disk handling mechanism;
• and
• loading, by an automated disk loading mechanism, the disk media from the disk handling shuttle and onto a disk spindle of the at least one DSD.

A data storage system comprising:

• a plurality of magnetic-recording disk media;
• at least one disk storage enclosure in which the disk media are housed, the disk storage enclosure comprising a container comprising a lid configured to open and close;
• at least one data storage device (DSD) configured to write to and read from the disk media;
• at least one automated disk handling mechanism configured to open and close the lid of the container and to transfer at least some of the disk media between the disk storage enclosure and the at least one DSD;
• and
• a hermetic enclosure containing the disk media, the at least one disk storage enclosure, the at least one DSD, and the at least one disk handling mechanism.