The IBM 3996 Optical Library is designed to be a large-scale, externally attached, optics storage library that uses new 30GB optical disc technology.

The 3996 Optical Library is offered in three models; Model 032, Model 080, and the Model 174. Each model supports permanent Write Once / Read Many (WORM), and rewritable recording technologies in a single library. Model 32 has the ability to handle up to 32 disks, providing up to 960GB of physical capacity. The Model 32 has one optical disc drive, and an option for adding a second drive.  Model 80 has the ability to handle up to 80 disks, providing up to 2.4TB of physical capacity. The Model 80 has two optical disc drives with an option of increasing to four drives. When additional drives are added, the Model 80 has the ability to handle up to 72 disks, providing up to 2.16TB of physical capacity. Model 174 has a physical capacity of up to 5.2TB; each of the one hundred and seventy four media slots holds a disk with up to 30GB of optical storage. The Model 174 has two optical disc drives with an option of increasing to four drives. When the additional drives are added, the 3996 Model 174 has the ability to handle up to 166 disks, providing up to 4.98TB of physical capacity.

Features

• Rarely used data can be removed from a library, freeing up capacity yet remaining managed and accessible in conjunction with the optional barcode scanner
• Each library has a see-through side panel for viewing the auto-changer and drives during library operation
• Cartridges can be inserted or removed from the library via the entry/exit slot.
• The IBM System Storage 3996 Optical Library can be a low-cost complement to high-performance magnetic disk
• UDO drives and cartridges operate only when a cartridge is inserted-keeping overall maintenance and operating costs extremely low
• The IBM 3996 Optical Library is offered in three models with up to 4 drives
• Optional barcode scanner in all three optical model offerings