Expiring host selected scratch logical volumes in an automated data storage library

摘要

Disclosed are a data storage library and library computer processor implemented methods for expiring logical volumes in response to expiration selection from a host. A library server maintains a mapping database which identifies each logical volume and maps the logical volumes to data storage media. A library manager classifies the host selected expired logical volume in a category of logical volumes having a “SCRATCH” attribute, which may have an expiration delay, and identifies the selected logical volume in a searchable database as comprising the category having the “SCRATCH” attribute, and may calculate an expiration time for the selected logical volume from the delay. The library manager subsequently searches the searchable database for logical volumes identified as comprising a category having the “SCRATCH” attribute, and whose expiration time has passed, providing an indication to the library server that the searched identified logical volumes are expired. The library server then expires the identified logical volumes from the mapping database.