An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for performing an abbreviated calibration of an automated data storage library. An abbreviated calibration apparatus includes a calibration module, a tracking module, and a system availability module. The calibration module calibrates one or more accessors within the library. Calibration refers to the physical relationship between an accessor and a data storage location, such as a shelf, drive, or I/O station. The calibration module may comprise a run-time calibration module, a successive calibration module, or a cooperative calibration module. The tracking module tracks the calibration progress of the accessors. The system availability module notifies a host when the library is available. The library is made available prior to calibration completion of all of the accessors and, in some embodiments, prior to calibration completion of any of the accessors.