Storage library having virtual cartridge access port

A method comprising:

• partitioning a physical library having cartridge storage cells and a physical cartridge access port (PCAP) for receiving cartridges which are to be entered into the library and for receiving cartridges which are to be ejected out of the library into multiple library partitions each having an independent set of the cells such that the library appears as multiple libraries with each partition appearing as a respective one of the multiple libraries;
• reserving some of the cells for use by the partitions as virtual cartridge access ports (VCAPs) which appear to a host as being the PCAP such that cartridges, which are to be ejected out of the partitions, are exported from the cells of the partitions to the VCAPs for subsequent transfer from the VCAPs to the PCAP, and such that cartridges, which are to be entered into the partitions, are imported from the VCAPs to the cells of the partitions after having been moved from the PCAP to the VCAPs;
• issuing a cartridge request which involves use of the PCAP;
• and
• using the VCAP in place of the PCAP to handle the cartridge request.