A system-managed tape library consists of tape volumes and tape devices that are defined in the tape configuration database. The tape configuration database is an integrated catalog facility user catalog marked as a volume catalog (VOLCAT) containing tape volumes and tape library records. A system-managed tape library can be either automated or manual.

You can have several automated tape libraries or manual tape libraries. You use an installation-defined library name to define each automated tape library or manual tape library to the system. DFSMSrmm treats each system-managed tape library as a separate location or destination. See z/OS DFSMS OAM Planning, Installation, and Storage Administration Guide for Tape Libraries for additional information.