LTO bar code labels

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Each LTO data, cleaning, and diagnostic cartridge that is processed by the tape library must bear a bar code label.

The bar code label contains:
  • A volume serial (VOLSER) number that you can read
  • A bar code that the library can read
When read by the library's bar code reader, the bar code identifies the cartridge's VOLSER to the tape library. The bar code also tells the library whether the cartridge is a data, cleaning, or diagnostic cartridge. In addition, the bar code includes the two-character media-type identifier Lx (where x equals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, T, U, V, W, X, Y, or Z) or M8.
  • L or M identifies the cartridge as an LTO cartridge.
  • 1 indicates that the cartridge is the first generation of its type. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 indicates that the cartridge is the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth generation of its type.
  • T indicates that the cartridge is a generation 3 WORM cartridge, U indicates that the cartridge is a generation 4 WORM cartridge, V indicates that the cartridge is a generation 5 WORM cartridge, W indicates that the cartridge is a generation 6 WORM cartridge, X indicates that the cartridge is a generation 7 WORM cartridge, Y indicates that the cartridge is a generation 8 WORM cartridge, and Z indicates that the cartridge is a generation 9 WORM cartridge.
Note: If you suspect that the library is having problems reading bar code labels, an IBM® service representative can slow scanner speed as part of problem determination.