https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/Proc-Contents/m-p/60669#M17213 Yes, PROC CONTENTS (and CONTENTS of PROC DATASETS) can read a SAS data library (called direct-access bound), however only PROC CONTENTS can process/readd a "sequential format" SAS data library (typically residing on tape).<BR /> <BR /> Scott Barry<BR /> SBBWorks, Inc.<BR /> <BR /> Suggested Google advanced search argument, this topic / post:<BR /> <BR /> sequential format site:sas.com Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:19:54 GMT sbb 2011-01-09T18:19:54Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/Proc-Contents/m-p/60668#M17212 The sas online support says, "PROC CONTENTS can read sequential files. The CONTENTS statement in PROC DATASETS cannot." What does this mean? Can someone please explain with an example? Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:20:32 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/Proc-Contents/m-p/60668#M17212 JatinRai 2011-01-09T17:20:32Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/Proc-Contents/m-p/60669#M17213 Yes, PROC CONTENTS (and CONTENTS of PROC DATASETS) can read a SAS data library (called direct-access bound), however only PROC CONTENTS can process/readd a "sequential format" SAS data library (typically residing on tape).<BR /> <BR /> Scott Barry<BR /> SBBWorks, Inc.<BR /> <BR /> Suggested Google advanced search argument, this topic / post:<BR /> <BR /> sequential format site:sas.com Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:19:54 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/Proc-Contents/m-p/60669#M17213 sbb 2011-01-09T18:19:54Z