An automated data library system employing a plurality of cartridges, one or more cartridge storage slots and an inventory controller. Each cartridge includes a cartridge memory. The cartridge storage slot(s) is(are) physically configured to store the cartridges. The inventory controller is operable to generate an inventory of the cartridges as stored within the cartridge storage slot(s). A generation by the inventory controller of the inventory of the cartridges as stored within the cartridge storage slot(s) involves the inventory controller simultaneously accessing cartridge identification information on two or more cartridge memories, and generating the inventory including two or more cartridges corresponding to the cartridge identification information.