System, method, and computer program product for creating a single library image from multiple independent tape libraries

A method, comprising:

• requesting access to a media drive located at a first station for loading a media cartridge therein, wherein the media cartridge is physically located at a second station;
• and
• receiving a response indicating a multi-drop unidirectional address specified in the response,
• wherein a shuttle car physically moves the media cartridge from the second station to the first station.

A computer program product for managing at least one logical library, the computer program product comprising:

• a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code comprising:
• computer readable program code configured to request access to a media drive located at a first station for loading a media cartridge therein, wherein the media cartridge is physically located at a second station;
• and
• computer readable program code configured to receive a response indicating a multi-drop unidirectional address specified in the response,
• wherein a shuttle car physically moves the media cartridge from the second station to the first station.

A system, comprising:

• a plurality of logical libraries, each logical library comprising:
• at least one sequential access media drive;
• at least one local station for sending and/or receiving shuttle cars to and/or from the plurality of logical libraries;
• and
• sequential access media for storing data therein;
• and
• a library manager for communicating with the plurality of logical libraries,
• wherein the library manager controls movement operations of a plurality of shuttle cars along one or more shuttle pathways,
• wherein each of the shuttle cars are for transporting a sequential access medium between any of the plurality of logical libraries,
• wherein the one or more shuttle pathways connect the stations in a multi-drop arrangement,
• wherein each destination station is represented by a unique export-only address,
• wherein all source stations are represented by a common import-only address, and
• wherein an import element address for a sequential access medium transferred from a first station is different than an export element address for the sequential access medium transferred to the first station.