fig3 referring once again to fig1 a operator input station 150 permits a user to communicate with applicant 39 s automated data storage and retrieval system 100 devices 180 and 190 each comprise a direct access storage device dasd cache in certain embodiments dasd cache 180 and 190 comprise a plurality of hard disk drives which are configured into one or more raid arrays in certain embodiments information transferred between host computer 390 and data storage and retrieval system 100 is buffered in dasd caches 180 and 190 import export station 172 includes access door 174 pivotably attached to the side of system 100 portable data storage cartridges can be placed in the system or in the alternative removed from the system via station 172 access door 174 fig2 shows system 200 which comprises another embodiment of applicant 39 s data storage and retrieval system system 200 includes first storage wall 202 and second storage wall 204 storage walls 202 and 204 each include a plurality of storage elements in which can be stored a plurality of portable data storage cartridges 360 system 200 includes one or more data storage devices such as device 230 device 230 comprises a floppy disk drive an optical disk drive a magnetic tape drive and the like system 200 further includes operator control panel 250 not shown in fig3 as shown in fig2 system 200 further includes library controller 260 library controller 260 controls the operation of accessor 210 and data storage device 230 as shown in fig3 system 300 further includes one or a plurality of portable data storage cartridges such as tape cartridges 360 each of which contains data storage media internally disposed therein referring again to fig3 tape.