Maybe...
try doing a
        mtlib -l/dev/lmcp# -qC -s'FF10'
I believe until a tape is physically removed it retains the Eject category
(FF10)

Funny thing I heard related to this this.
STK held a patent on reading volsers in the I/O bay so with IBM 3494's the
only thing the scanner does when volumes are in the I/O port is to simply
detect something is there (or the inability to read the default sticker in
the I/O slots)
Because of patent ~stuff~ (on inbound volumes) in the 3494 the atl can't
scan the actual volser until it is in a storage cell.

just something I was told...

Dwight E. Cook
Software Application Engineer III
Science Applications International Corporation
509 S. Boston Ave.  Suit 220
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103-4606
Office (918) 732-7109