Modular data storage system with expandable vertical lift mechanism

A data storage system comprising: a plurality of vertically stacked modular housing units, each modular housing unit comprising a plurality of data storage media receiving devices; a data storage media handling device adapted to laterally displace media between the media receiving devices; a vertical lift mechanism attached to the data storage media handling device and adapted to vertically displace the handling device along a vertical displacement path extending adjacent to the vertically stacked modular housing units and comprising a drive assembly fixedly positioned with respect to the modular housing units and a linkage mechanism connected between the drive assembly and the handling device.