3592 bar code label

Each 3592 data, cleaning, and diagnostic cartridge that is processed by the TS3500 tape library must bear a bar code label.

The 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 cartridge type: data (JA), extended data (JB), advanced type C data (JC), advanced type D data (JD), advanced type E data (JE), economy (JJ), advanced type C economy (JK), advanced type D economy (JL), advanced type E economy (JM), economy WORM (JR), WORM (JW), extended WORM (JX), advanced type C WORM (JY), advanced type D WORM (JZ), advanced type E WORM (JV), cleaning, or diagnostic cartridge. Figure 1 shows a sample bar code label for the IBM® 3592 Enterprise Tape Cartridge.

You can order tape cartridges with the labels included, or you can order custom labels. The labels have a peel-and-stick backing. The bar code must meet predefined specifications. The recommended specifications include (but are not limited to):

Eight uppercase alphanumeric characters, where the last two characters must be JA, JB, JC, JD, JE, JJ, JK, JL, JM, JR, JV, JW, JX, JY, or JZ.
Label and printing to be non-glossy
Nominal narrow line or space width of 0.500 mm (0.019 in.)
Wide to narrow ratio of 2.75:1
Minimum bar length of 7.0 mm (0.27 in.)

To determine the complete specifications of the bar code and the bar code label, visit the web at http://www.storage.ibm.com/media/tapecartridges/index.html. Under Enterprise storage media, select 3592 tape cartridges. Under Learn more, select Barcode Label Specification for use with 3592 Tape Media. Under Content, select the PDF file to view the Label Specification for IBM 3592 Cartridges when used in IBM Libraries. You can also contact your IBM sales representative for this specification.

When attaching a bar code label to a tape cartridge, place the label only in the recessed bar code label area (see Figure 1). A label that extends outside of the recessed area can cause loading problems in the drive or the library.

Attention: 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.

By using the Tape Library Specialist web interface, you can configure the library so that it reports to the server all eight characters of the VOLSER on the bar code label or only the first six characters. To configure a six-character VOLSER, refer to the section about enabling or disabling the reporting of a six-character VOLSER in the IBM TS3500 Tape Library with ALMS Operator Guide.

Note: If you suspect that the library is having problems reading the bar code labels, you can slow the scanner speed as part of problem determination. You can slow the scanner speed rather than replace all labels, or you could slow the scanner speed while you wait for an opportunity to relabel the media. Depending on the severity of the problem, the error recovery procedure for poor labels may greatly exceed the time lost by slowing the scanner. If you have cartridge bar code labels that meet the LTO bar code label specification, there is no need to slow the scanner speed.

To order bar code labels, see Ordering bar code labels for tape cartridges.

Figure 1. Sample bar code label on an IBM 3592 tape cartridge. The volume serial number (J1H906JA) and bar code are printed on the label.