Our offsite storage vendor uses their own bar-code labels to track inventory
from multiple customers and they use standard paper-based self-stick laser
labels, I have cartridges with more than two years of service and no
peeling. The vendor applies the label to the top surface of the cartridge,
the only issue was that I had to make sure the vendor applied the label with
the barcode oriented front to back (aligned with the right edge of the
cartridge) because the barcode reader on my ADIC Scalar 1000 angles
downwards at about a 45 degree angle it was reading the barcode of the
offsite storage vendor first when the slot above the cartridge was empty.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Prather, Wanda [SMTP:Wanda.Prather AT JHUAPL DOT EDU]
> Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 11:10 AM
> To:   ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
> Subject:      LTO external labels
>
> Some time ago, someone on this list wrote inquiring about the use of
> external labels on LTO1 cartridges.
> Many other types of cartridges have a recessed area for applying an
> external
> identifying label other than the bar code, but the LTO cartridges do not.
>
> We also have a requirement for external ownership labels, and here is our
> experience:
>
> We bought some Avery non-removable printer labels, 3.5 x 3/4 inch.
> We put one on the top rear of the cartridge (over the recessed arrow).
> We put another on the back face of the cartridge (the surface opposite the
> bar code - that one required trimming down a bit shorter.)
>
> I did 200 forced mounts/dismounts of the cartridge.
> Now this TSM server isn't terribly busy; 200 mounts should correspond to
> something like 3 months normal use for our busiest tapes.
>
> I had no peeling, curled edges, mount failures, or jams.
> There are no scuffs or any indications of wear on the labels.
>
> So we consider this an acceptable risk.
> Granted the print is tiny, but it will suffice.
>
> IBM LTO1 drives, IBM LTO1 cartridges.
> YMMV.


This transmittal may contain confidential information intended solely for
the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby
notified that you have received this transmittal in error; any review,
dissemination, distribution or copying of this transmittal is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify
us immediately by reply or by telephone (collect at 907-564-1000) and ask to
speak with the message sender. In addition, please immediately delete this
message and all attachments. Thank you.