AES 49 : 2005(R2010)

Foreword
0 Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Tape pack integrity
   4.1 General
   4.2 Common pack problems
   4.3 pack tension
   4.4 Tape winding speed
   4.5 Tape, hub and reel design
5 Contamination
   5.1 General
   5.2 Particulate contaminants
   5.3 Gaseous contaminants
   5.4 Organic contaminants
   5.5 Protective cases
   5.6 Field usage
6 Handling techniques
   6.1 General
   6.2 Vertical/horizontal tape orientation
   6.3 Handling access
   6.4 Use of force
   6.5 Tape condition
   6.6 General handling
7 Environment
   7.1 General
   7.2 Temperature and humidity
   7.3 Air quality
   7.4 Magnetic fields
   7.5 Light exposure
   7.6 Marginal environments
8 Inspection
   8.1 General
   8.2 Seven-step physical inspection
9 Cleaning and maintenance
   9.1 General
   9.2 Tape cleaning indicators
   9.3 Tape cleaning frequency
   9.4 Debris removal from tape
   9.5 Adhesive contaminants on tape
   9.6 Biological contaminants on tape
   9.7 Record/playback machine maintenance
   9.8 Transports for master tapes
   9.9 Manufacturers recommendations
   9.10 Cleaning cassettes
   9.11 Hand cleaning
10 Transportation
   10.1 General
   10.2 Tape preparation before transport
   10.3 Transport methods
   10.4 General exposure
   10.5 External fields and security scanning of materials
11 Disasters
   11.1 General
   11.2 Water
   11.3 Fire
   11.4 Dry debris
   11.5 Disaster response
12 Staff training
   12.1 Purpose
   12.2 Training paths
   12.3 Schedule for training
   12.4 Update of training
   12.5 Content of training
Annex A (informative) Minimum handling requirements checklist
      A.1 General
      A.2 Do
      A.3 Do not
Annex B (informative) Bibliography

Gives recommendations for the care and handling of magnetic tape in order to optimise the life of the medium and its recorded content. It also covers analog and digital tape and includes tape made for audio, video, instrumentation and computer use.