To ensure a longer life for full or new cartridges, store cartridges in a clean environment and follow these recommendations:
Do not drop or bang the cartridge. This can displace the tape leader, making the cartridge unusable and possibly damaging the drive.
Store the data cartridge in the plastic shipping enclosure.
Do not expose tape cartridges to direct sunlight and other heat sources.
If the cartridge has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, stabilize the cartridge at room temperature for the same amount of time it was exposed (up to 24 hours).
Place the identification label in the slide-in slot on the front of the cartridge only.
Do not attach labels anywhere on the cartridge except in the slide-in slot.