Care and Handling of Magnetic Disks

Information Systems Technician Training Series, Module 2 - Computer Systems
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And last, but not least, always follow the rules and procedures that have been established by your command or installation. Check your SOP manual. Remember, anytime your library personnel are to handle magnetic media, whether it be issuing, receiving, filing, scratching, inventorying, or mailing, they need to be on the lookout for certain things. They must look for such things as tapes that are unevenly rewound, write rings that have not been removed from a newly created file, cracked tape flanges, worn tape straps, broken or cracked tape canisters, faded or peeling file identification or reel identification labels, mismatched tape reel number against tape strap number, and soon. Media with problems such as these should not be released for use or filed in the library until the problems are corrected. CARE AND HANDLING OF MAGNETIC DISKS As the librarian, you are primarily concerned with the care, handling, retrieving, storing, and labeling of magnetic media. When we care for magnetic media (especially disks or diskettes), an important element of that care is cleanliness. Disk packs, as well as diskettes, have a tendency to attract dust, smoke, oil, hair, you name it, and a disk pack will attract it (or at least it seems that way). Because even tiny particles can cause problems, it is imperative that all AIS spaces (including the media library) be as contamination-free as possible. For you, that means all disk pack file drawers must be kept closed when not in use. Vacuum the disk pack covers and storage cabinets on a regular basis (at least once a week) to prevent dust buildup. It also means you must examine disk pack filters as often as possible (preferably after every use) to ensure there is no dust buildup or damage of any kind. If dust buildup or damage to the filter exists, by all means, replace the filter before it is to be used again. Be sure no foreign objects or notes are placed inside the disk pack covers. Foreign objects have a tendency to fly and, as a result, could slip between the disk platters and become undetectable until the disk pack is used. This would certainly cause severe damage to the pack and drive and make your maintenance technician very unhappy. If, for any reason, you suspect a disk pack has been damaged or dropped, under no circumstances should you release it from the library until it is checked out by a person using an authorized pack cleaner/certification device. Anytime you are retrieving, storing, or just plain handling a disk pack, always carry it by the handle located on top of the cover, as illustrated in figure 2-10. The handle is designed in such a manner that the pack is supported at its center by locking the cover to the spindle on the pack. You must ensure that the bottom cover of the pack is firmly secured (attached), while holding the pack vertically by the handle. You should never set the pack down onto the bottom cover. The locking knob, which is cone-shaped, could puncture the pack’s filter or possibly bend the disk’s lower platter. Figure 2-10.—Magnetic disk should be carried level, using the dust cover handle. 2-16

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