UNIVERSAL TAPE CARTRIDGE CHARACTERIZATION

Characterizing virgin tape cartridges in a characterization tape library and then sending the characterized tape cartridges to an end-user's library saves time and effort at the end-user's site. A characterized tape cartridge can be universally used in any compatible tape library if the virgin tape cartridge is characterized in a target calibration window that is within a specific range of heat and humidity. A calibration library can act as a 'middleman' receiving a virgin tape cartridge directly from an OEM. The virgin tape cartridge can be characterized followed by storing a record of the calibration in the tape cartridge's MAM while in the calibration library. The now post-characterized tape cartridge is then on to a user's tape library for use instead of just simply sending a virgin tape cartridge to the end user's library. The record in the MAM effectively changes the designation of the virgin tape cartridge to a post-calibrated tape cartridge.