An optical data storage system comprises a multiple data surface medium and an optical head. The medium comprises a plurality of substrates, each supporting a data surface that contains optical media for the recording of data. The data surfaces are spaced apart so that each data surface can be accessed by focused laser light from the optical head. The type of optical media on each of the data surfaces may be ROM, write-once read-many (WORM), magneto-optic or phase change. At least one of the data surfaces includes recorded information located in a track header that identifies the type of optical media contained in the data surfaces.