FREEVOL parameter

Parameter type: Keyword, optional

Purpose: Use the FREEVOL parameter to specify whether to allow other jobs to read freed volumes of a multivolume tape file as the volume is dismounted by the job.

When multiple DD statements in JOB1 specify one or more of the same volume serial numbers, and also FREEVOL=EOV, it becomes possible for JOB2 to obtain the ENQ on the volume serial number and begin processing as soon as JOB1 releases the ENQ. This results in JOB1 abending when attempting to process a subsequent DD with the same volume serial number, because the volume is no longer available to JOB1. In addition, FREEVOL=EOV has no effect on the allocation requirement that all specified volume serial numbers be available for enqueue; if any are not available, allocation issues IEF235D and waits for volume availability or for the job to be cancelled.

Note: FREEVOL is most effective when a second job waits for a single volume. If it waits for multiple volumes, it will still need to wait for all volumes to become available.