Maximizing Library Performance Though Cartridge Placement
Managing Cartridges 10-5
■ Dirt or debris
■ Cracked or broken housing
■ Damaged write-protect switch
■ Liquid in the cartridge
■ Labels not firmly attached, or that extend over the cartridge edge
Cleaning the Cartridge Exterior
Wipe all dust, dirt, and moisture from the cartridge with a lint-free cloth. Use Oracle
StorageTek Tape Cleaner Wipes to clean the cartridges. These wipes are saturated with
isopropyl alcohol. Do not let any solution touch the tape or get inside the cartridge.
Storing Cartridges
Store cartridges in a clean environment. Do not take a cartridge out of its protective
wrapping until you are ready to use it. Use the tear string, not a sharp instrument, to
remove the wrapping. Before using a cartridge, ensure that it has been in its operating
environment for at least 24 hours.
Maximizing Library Performance Though Cartridge Placement
■ Group together cartridges and compatible drives on the same rail. Mount
cartridges in tape drives that are on the same rail and limit the distance cartridges
must travel. Minimize elevator operations between rails within a library and
pass-thru operations between libraries.
■ Ensure that each rail has the enough empty slots, data cartridges, scratch
cartridges, and tape drives to support peak usage.
■ Move inactive cartridges out of the library. Move less frequently used cartridges
away from the drives and more frequently used cartridges closer to the drives.
■ Load magazines adjacent to the rail in which the cartridges will reside..
■ Use Library Content Manager (LCM) to automatically manage free slots for z/OS
customers.
■ Use the float option available with host management software (ACSLS and HSC).
■ Place cartridges that require significant enters and ejects on rails adjacent to a CAP.
In libraries with rotational CAPs, place inactive cartridges on the top rail.
Caution: Potential damage to cartridges. Do not use acetone,
trichloroethane, toluene, xylene, benzene, ketone, methylethyl ketone,
methylene chloride, ethyldichloride, esters, ethyl acetate, or similar
chemicals to remove labels or clean cartridges.