>I have encountered a lot of read-errors on the on-site tapes. Able to write
>to it but when reading from it, it logged many errors.

Patty - The nature of the logged errors is the determining factor.
        In addition to tape media, there are the other elements of
tape head, transport, electronics, and drivers, any of which can
contribute to tape read/write problems.  Your logged errors should
help identify which is the problem.
    Richard Sims, BU