Automatic storage media content cataloging

One or more processor-readable media having processor-executable instructions, which when executed perform steps, comprising:

• automatically obtaining catalog data from an operating storage device;
• storing the catalog data on a persistent repository in association with information that identifies the storage device;
• querying towards the persistent repository for the catalog data independent of whether the storage device is currently operational;
• receiving the catalog data in response to the query;
• and
• outputting at least some of the catalog data to a display mechanism.

A system comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a processor that is operatively coupled to the memory and which executes code stored in the memory, the processor, in response to execution of the code, being configured to:
• update catalog data in a persistent repository for a storage device corresponding to a state in which the storage device is operational for data access,
• access the repository to recall the catalog data independent of whether the storage device is currently operational or non-operational, and
• output at least some of the device catalog data to a recipient.

A method comprising:

• receiving a request for catalog data that is maintained in a persistent repository and corresponds to a state in which a storage device is operational for data access, the request including identifier data;
• accessing the persistent repository to obtain the catalog data based upon the identifier data, independent of whether the storage device is currently operational or non-operational;
• and
• returning the catalog data in response to the request.