A vertical autoloader design enables multiple data cartridges to be
selectively loaded into a drive while minimizing the device footprint.
The structure of the vertical autoloader incorporates Geneva steps into
the walls of the autoloader. The Geneva steps interface with gearing on a
drive carriage to move the drive vertically. The data cartridges are
inserted into slots on the front of the vertical autoloader, and the data
cartridges not currently loaded into the drive can be removed and
replaced while the autoloader is in operation. Further, the vertical
autoloader includes prevent devices in the cartridge slots to ensure the
data cartridges are loaded correctly.