labels.   The   programmer,   user,   or   control   clerk   is responsible for the save label. PERMANENT LABELS.—  The  permanent-type label comes with a special adhesive backing; and when applied to a surface such as the flange of a magnetic tape, it adheres permanently. That is not to say this type of  label  cannot  be  removed,  but  to  remove  it  takes  a considerable  amount  of  effort.  Normally,  you  would consider using this type of label only if it were to remain on the media throughout its life cycle, as is the case with the identification number or certification labels. Identification Label.— The identification number (label)   contains   a   series   of   letters   and/or   numbers (usually from 3 to 8 characters in length) that tell you where  the  magnetic  media  resides  in  the  library  (see figure 2-5). It is a permanent home address, you might say. Your responsibility is to ensure that whenever new tapes and disks are brought into the library be properly numbered. If the tape or disk is a replacement for one that is no longer usable, you must be sure to dispose of the old media and physically remove the identification label. Certification  Label.—  The  certification  label  is used to indicate the last time a magnetic tape or disk underwent  certification. Diskettes  are  not  normally certified, but, instead, are disposed of upon receiving an unacceptable   number   of   unrecoverable   read/write errors. It has been found to be more cost effective to simply replace this type of media with new rather than putting it through a refurbishing process. NONPERMANENT   LABELS.—   The   non- permanent type label has a special adhesive backing of stick-on-type  construction  that  can  be  applied  to  just about any kind of surface yet be removed with very little effort. This type of label is most useful in applications where information regarding the media itself, or what is written  upon  it,  changes  quite  frequently.  Usage  labels, cleaning   labels,   and   save   labels   are   usually nonpermanent type labels. Usage   Label. —  The   usage   label   is   used   to determine how many times a tape has been read from or written to. It can be placed on either side of the tape reel. The usage label is normally made up of several boxes or circles  (approximately  one-quarter  inch  in  diameter), which  are  filled  in  (one  at  a  time)  by  the  computer operator each time a tape is used. Notice that we did not mention disks. Disks are normally sent outside of the command  for  cleaning. At  that  time,  they  are  also certified for use. However, magnetic tape is an entirely different story. After so many uses a tape must undergo 2-12 a cleaning, and that is where you come in. Every time a tape is returned to the library, you should make it a point to check the usage label to see whether or not it requires cleaning. A magnetic tape maybe cleaned at any time. However, if the tape does contain live data (data still needed), try to be extra careful not to damage the tape during   the   cleaning   process.   Normal   operating conditions in the computer room require the read/write heads  to  be  cleaned  at  least  once  every  4  hours  of operation and the entire unit once every 8 hours unless usage is very heavy or as specified in the SOP. If this is done, a tape should be cleaned after every 5 uses, and the  number  of  uses  between  cleanings  should  never exceed  10. Cleaning  Label.— The cleaning label is used to indicate when and how often a tape has been cleaned. This is important to know, for after a tape has undergone so many cleanings (usually 10), it should be put through a   certification   process   to   determine   its   accuracy (reading and writing capability). Normally, you place the cleaning label on the backside of the tape, since the information   it   contains   is   useful   only   to   you,   the librarian. Save Label.—  Whenever a tape is to be saved for a period of time, a save label, such as the one shown in figure 2-6, is required for accountability. The save label (also referred to as a user label) contains information that helps to identify the job/task number and the data file(s)  written  on  the  media,  along  with  other  related information. This label is placed on the front side of the media so it can be readily seen by all. Each individual programmer, user, and, in some cases, the control clerk (depending upon command policy) has responsibility for filling out as much information on the save label as possible  before  job  submission.  He  or  she  normally enters  such  information  as:  job  or  task  number,  file identification,  security  classification,  purge  date,  and/or its period of retention (30,60, or 90 days). When the job Figure 2-6.—Magnetic tape save label for unclassified (UNCLAS), Privacy Act (PRIV), and For Official Use Only (FOUO).