It occurred to me to mention the scheme, and others like it, that EJ mentions for reading more than one member of one or indeed several PDS[E]s in the same operation in my original post. I refrained because I thought that do do so would complicate a simple issue.
I certainly concede the possibility of front-ending BSAM or QSAM. Nevertheless, the data-management facility for multiple-member operations is BPAM; and in most circumstances it is the one that should be used. With my back to the wall I could even dispense with BSAM too, rolling my own instead using EXCP; but such expedients are for back-to-the-wall situations, not for routine use. Moreover, they are not very robust out of the hands of the few. John Gilmore, Ashland, MA 01721 - USA
