Media identification in an automated data library

One or more stationary bar code readers are provided in an automated storage library to monitor the movement of magazines, cartridges and/or disks within the library and to maintain an updated inventory on the location of each item in the library. Preferably, a reader is positioned at the head of each column of storage cells and at the front of each drive unit. Each magazine and cartridge has a linear bar code label and each bare disk has a concentric bar code label. Each label is fixed to a surface visible to the readers whereby, as a magazine, cartridge or disk is passed in front of a reader, the label is read, decoded and the information used to update a library inventory table.