A robotic storage library is provided for reducing the transition time to reach an operational state following a transition from a power-off to a power-on state. The robotic storage library can generally include a transport unit for moving data cartridges, or other storage elements, between a location in a shelf system and a drive, or data transfer interface, to complete storage operations for a host computer. The library can further include a controller for causing an audit to be performed to create an inventory of the locations. The audit can be stored in nonvolatile memory prior to the power transition. The inventory information can be transmitted to a host computer after the power transition.