a system , apparatus , and method to recover a logical volume on a read - only physical volume , or data storage cartridge , within a dual copy data storage system , such as a virtual tape server system . the recovery follows a disaster situation involving the primary physical volume and the requested logical volume . the system , apparatus , and method include modules and steps as required to recover a logical volume through recalling a selective dual copy of the logical volume stored on a secondary physical volume . the primary and secondary logical volumes are stored on distinct physical volumes in order to provide quality storage media management and reduce the likelihood of loss of data . the recovery and recall procedures are implemented in a manner that is substantially transparent and asynchronous to a host or client . additionally , the recovery and recall require no additional input from the host in order to carry out the recovery of the logical volume .