System for authorized conditional deletion of data objects within a library service

摘要

A method is disclosed for the conditional deletion of selected data objects within a data processing system. In a data processing system having a plurality of data objects stored within a library service, it is common for a selected data object to be utilized or temporarily removed by a system user. In response to a request to delete a selected data object, a determination is first made whether the data object in question is in use or temporarily removed from the library service. If the data object to be deleted is in use or temporarily removed, the deletion of that data object is automatically halted in accordance with the method of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the deletion of a selected data object may be temporarily deferred in response to a determination that the data object is in use or temporarily removed, until such time as the data object is returned to the library service or no longer in use. In each disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the authority to delete a particular data object is determined prior to permitting such deletion.