>>Let me restate your question to be sure I understand.
The 3494 lists the tape as private at the same time TSM lists the tape
as scratch.
This is normal.  <<

It is not normal on our system.  Tapes are in one of three 3494 catagories on 
our system. Insert, scratch, or private. Insert means that they have been 
inserted into the 3494 but TSM has not yet checked them in.  Scratch means TSM 
has checked them in as scratch but not yet used them.  And Private means TSM 
has checked them as private or checked them in as scratch and then written to 
them.  The 3494 catagory must match the TSM Status for proper functioning.

David