Introduction

A SAS library is a collection of one or more SAS files that are recognized by SAS, and that are referenced and stored as a unit. Each file is a member of the library. An engine is the software component that SAS uses to create, read, update, and manage the files that reside in a SAS library. The topics in the following list discuss the use of library engines and SAS libraries:
SAS Library Engines
describes how to use various types of engines under z/OS to access SAS libraries. For the base, sequential, and certain compatibility engines, the SAS libraries can exist in various formats. For more information, see SAS Library Engines.
Library Implementation Types for Base and Sequential Engines
describes the purpose for each of the various library formats as well as how to select the format that is most appropriate for your application. For more information, see Library Implementation Types for Base and Sequential Engines.
Assigning SAS Libraries
describes the various means for specifying that a particular library be used within a SAS session. For more information, see Assigning SAS Libraries.
See SAS Language Reference: Concepts for additional general information about SAS libraries and SAS I/O engines.
Note: If you are using files in the UNIX System Services (USS) file system, then SAS views the UNIX file system, the z/OS file system (zFS), and the Hierarchical File System (HFS) as functionally equivalent.