Label for data cartridge

The present invention provides machine and human readable information for a data cartridge (10) other item to be stored. In one embodiment, a label, on which human readable information is printed or similarly marked, is applied to cover an indicator area (28) of the cartridge. The indicator area of the cartridge has recesses (18) formed therein; corresponding positions on the indicator area of the label overlay the recesses and can be either open or closed. An open position allows a mechanical, spring-loaded finger (34) on a data drive to engage the exposed recess and activate or deactivate a connected switch. Information, matching the printed human readable information, can thus be encoded in the label and machine read by the data drive.