Linux and tape drive serial numbers.

I have a Linux lpar hosted by an i5/os lpar.  Suse Linux.  V5R4 of i5/os 
host.  i5-570.  The Linux lpar is using a 3582-L23 tape drive connected to 
a 5704 fiber card via a IBM SAN switch.  In the /dev directory there are a 
few devices:
IBMchanger0 for the 3582 library
IBMtape1 for one drive
IBMtape2 for the other drive

 I ran the following:
IBMtapeutil -f /dev/IBMtape1 inquiry 80 
and
IBMtapeutil -f /dev/IBMtape2 inquiry 80 
These commands will display the serial number of each drive.  You can 
check that out using the buttons on the 3582 to compare.  The problem is 
that I then rebooted this Linux lpar.  I ran the IBMtapeutil commands 
again and the serial numbers flipflopped between the two.
I am using IBM's TSM software and when you configure the tape drives it 
records the serial number.  The problem is now I have to reconfigure the 
tape drives into TSM after every reboot.  (As if our downtime instructions 
weren't complicated enough, right Dave?)  I am thinking the possible 
solutions are either to get Linux to stop flipflopping the serial numbers 
or to tell TSM not to give a rip about the serial numbers.  Trouble is, I 
can't figure out either way.  I have a pmr open with IBM on this, but it's 
not getting anywhere fast.

Rob Berendt