Multiple independent intelligent pickers with dynamic routing in an automated data storage library

This is a Divisional application of Ser. No. 09/435,023, filed Nov. 5, 1999, now abandoned. This invention relates to automated data storage libraries, and, more particularly, to libraries having a plurality of pickers for accessing data storage media stored in the library, and for accessing and delivering the media between media storage slots and read/write stations. Multiple intelligent pickers for an automated data storage library, the library having a library controller which identifies the start and end locations of the received move jobs, and places the move jobs in a job queue. The picker processor receives information over a communication link from other pickers describing movement information for the current move job of each of the other pickers. Upon completion of a move job, the picker communicates with the library controller, selecting a move job which avoids interference with the movement of the other pickers. The movement for the selected move job is determined so as to avoid interference with the stored movement profiles of the other pickers. A movement profile may be communicated to the other pickers over the communication link, and the move job is conducted according to the movement profile. Alternatively, movement information comprising the current location and vector are communicated.