I found a handy tip from Rafi in the discussion Allocating SAS WORK Libraries Dynamically in SAS 9.2 in the LinkedIn group SAS Architects/Administrators/Implementation Specialist. It explains how to use a variation on the SAS system option WORK= to spread work libraries over a number of I/O paths using either random or available space methods. This can potentially help you improve I/O performance for work libraries en-masse, and/or get access to more available space, by spreading those work libraries over a number of different devices.
This usage of the WORK= SAS system option is documented in a number of places:
- SAS® 9.2 Companion for UNIX Environments » Host-Specific Features of the SAS Language » System Options under UNIX » WORK System Option: UNIX
- SAS® 9.2 Companion for Windows, Second Edition » Features of the SAS Language for Windows » System Options under Windows » WORK System Option: Windows
- SAS Usage Note 37593: Dynamic allocation of the WORK directory in a Windows operating environment – this usage note provides a Windows oriented example