A picker mechanism (80) selectively grips and transports a data storage cartridge (62) in an automated library (30). The picker mechanism (80) has a picker frame (400) comprised of two half shell members (402, 404). Substantially all active elements of the picker are mounted to a base half shell (402) over which a cover half shell (404) mates for enclosing substantially all active picker elements. The active picker elements include a pair of gripper fingers (406) pivotally mounted to the picker frame. Each gripper finger (406) has a portion thereof configured to engage a data storage cartridge. The picker frame also carries a displacement path (e.g., leadscrew 418) along which a carriage member (e.g., leadscrew nut 426) travels. A motor (414) is provided for driving the carriage member (426) along the displacement path. A pair of biasing springs (432), one for each gripper finger (406), are provided for biasing the gripper fingers in a direction toward the displacement path. Also provided for each gripper finger is a linkage element (428). Driving the carriage member (426) along the displacement path causes the gripper fingers (426) to pivot between a cartridge engagement position to a cartridge release position, as well as a cartridge shove position.