A method for mover transition in an open systems based media library (14) for use with a host (10) that relays command requests comprises the steps of retaining a storage medium (20); selectively moving the storage medium (20) within the media library (14) with a first media mover (26); and when the first media mover (26) has a status of unavailable due to mover transition, indicating to the host (10) with a control system (40) that the first media mover (26) is not ready to perform a motion operation, and is in the process of becoming ready. Additionally, the host (10) continues to relay command requests to the media library (14) when the first media mover (26) has the status of unavailable, and the control system (40) performs any subsequent command requests relayed by the host (10) when the first media mover (26) subsequently has the status of available.