Tape library initiated media verification

Abstract

A method for verification of content of tape cartridges in a tape library system using tape drives of the tape library, is provided. The method includes instructing the tape drive to perform tape cartridge verification on the tape cartridge. The method further includes after completion of the tape cartridge verification, unloading the tape cartridge to its original storage position. The method further includes transmitting verification data of the tape cartridge verification to a database of the tape library system for analysis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for verifying the content of tape cartridges in a tape library system, the method comprising:
 monitoring the verification status of a tape drive in a tape library system by a tape library controller, the tape library controller providing a configurable interface to observe and change a verification policy of the tape drive, the verification policy comprising instructions for performance of the verification of the tape drive, wherein the tape drive supports at least a verification mode and a read write operations mode, the tape drive comprising tape cartridges;   determining a maximum idle period for the tape drive has been reached;   verifying that a tape cartridge of the tape drive is not in use;   loading the tape cartridge in a tape drive of the tape library, wherein the tape drive is a verification tape drive;   instructing the tape drive to perform tape cartridge verification of the tape cartridge;   monitoring incoming requests for access to the tape cartridge being verified from the tape library system;   switching to read write operation when there is an incoming request for access to the tape cartridge;   after completion of the tape cartridge verification, unloading the tape cartridge to its original storage position in the tape drive;   updating verification status of the tape cartridge in the tape drive; and   transmitting verification data of the tape cartridge verification to a database of the tape library system for analysis.