VOLUME parameter

Parameter type: Keyword, optional

Terminology: Data sets on system-managed tape volumes exhibit both SMS and non-SMS characteristics. When necessary, data sets on a system-managed tape volume are distinguished from system-managed DASD data sets. Otherwise, the term system-managed data sets refers to both data sets on a system-managed tape volume and system-managed DASD data sets.

To cause multiple data sets to be stacked on the same volume, see z/OS MVS JCL User's Guide for recommendations and examples.

With SMS, consider the following:

All volumes in a multi-volume data set should reside in the same system-managed tape library and must belong to the same tape storage group. If all of the volumes do not reside in the same tape library, the installation can enter the volumes through the DFSMS installation exit, CBRUXVNL.
You cannot make a specific volume reference to a scratch volume.
You do not need to use the VOLUME parameter to specify volumes for new data sets. See the DATACLAS parameter described in and the STORCLAS parameter described in .
You cannot override the volume count for an existing system-managed DASD data set (but you can specify a volume count when you create a new system-managed DASD data set).
If the storage administrator has specified a system default unit name and you do not code a UNIT name for non-system-managed data sets, then the system uses the volumes associated with the default unit name. In this case, you do not need to code the VOLUME parameter. Check with your storage administrator to determine whether a default unit name has been specified.

Purpose: Use the VOLUME parameter to identify the volume or volumes on which a data set resides or will reside. You can request:

A private volume
Retention of the volume
A specific volume by serial number
The same volume that another data set uses

You can also specify which volume of a multivolume data set is to be processed first and, for an output data set, the number of volumes required.

A nonspecific volume request is a DD statement for a new data set that can be assigned to any volume or volumes. To make a nonspecific volume request for a new data set, either:

Omit the VOLUME parameter.
Code a VOLUME parameter but omit a SER or REF subparameter.