Guidelines for using LTO bar code labels

Apply the following guidelines whenever you use LTO bar code labels:

• Use only IBM-approved bar code labels.
• Do not reuse a label or reapply a used label over an existing label.
• Before you apply a new label, remove the old label by slowly pulling it at a right angle to the cartridge case.
• Use peel-clean labels that do not leave a residue after they are removed. If there is glue residue on the cartridge, remove it by gently rubbing it with your finger. Do not use a sharp object, water, or a chemical to clean the label area.
• Examine the label before you apply it to the cartridge. Do not use the label if it has voids or smears in the printed characters or bar code (an application's inventory operation will take much longer if the bar code label is not readable).
• Remove the label from the label sheet carefully. Do not stretch the label or cause the edges to curl.
• Place the label only in the recessed bar code label area. A label that extends outside of the recessed area can cause loading problems in the drive or the library.
• With light finger pressure, smooth the label so that no wrinkles or bubbles exist on its surface.
• Verify that the label is smooth and parallel, and has no roll-up or roll-over. The label must be flat to within 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) over the length of the label and have no folds, missing pieces, or smudges.
• Do not place other machine-readable labels on other surfaces of the cartridge. They might interfere with the ability of the bar code reader to read the bar code.
• Do not place any type of mark on the white space at either end of the bar code. A mark in this area may prevent the tape library from reading the label.