1. An automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, comprising: a housing unit; a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage cartridges within the housing unit, a data storage cartridge including data storage medium; a data storage drive for reading data to and/or writing data from the data storage medium; an interface for reading data from and/or writing data to at least one predetermined data field associated with the data storage cartridge; a robot accessor for transporting data storage cartridges between the storage shelves and the data storage drive; a processor programmed with instructions to modify the at least one predetermined data field to render data stored on the data storage medium inaccessible.