Spectra T200 - Storing Cartridges

Appendix A — Best Practices Using Cartridges
December 2019 User Guide—Spectra T200, T380, and T680 Libraries
517
Storing Cartridges
While in use, cartridges are stored in TeraPack magazines inside the
library. When the cartridges are outside of the library, Spectra Logic
recommends storing them in magazines with dust covers.
Storing and handling cartridges in magazines helps to eliminate errors
resulting from mishandling individual cartridges, which is the leading
cause of cartridge damage. An optional clear plastic dust cover snaps onto
the magazine to protect the cartridges.
Whenever you remove cartridges from your library, be sure to store them
properly to maximize archival life and ensure data integrity. Follow these
guidelines for proper cartridge storage:
 Store cartridges in a suitable environment (see Tape Media
Specifications on page 548).
 Keep the storage location as free of airborne particulates as possible. To
eliminate obvious sources of particulates, do not permit anyone to
smoke, eat, or drink near the storage area, and do not store cartridges
near a copier or printer that may emit toner and paper dust.
 Store cartridges with the write-protect switch in the protected position
(see Preparing Cartridges for Use on page 218).
 Store cartridges as soon as possible after you remove them from the
library. Immediate storage helps avoid many of the conditions that can
damage tapes, such as temperature and humidity fluctuations,
particulate contamination, and excessive handling.
 If you plan to ship a TeraPack magazine, make sure that you have a
proper shipping container and that you use adequate packing material.
The TeraPack carrying cases available from Spectra Logic are designed
for safely transporting TeraPack magazines off site and are compatible
with Iron Mountain.
Figure 318 TeraPack magazines with barcode labeled cartridges and plastic
dust cover (LTO magazines shown).