Each LTO data, cleaning, and diagnostic cartridge that is processed by the TS3500 tape library must bear a bar code label.

When read by the library's bar code reader, the bar code identifies the cartridge's VOLSER to the tape library. The bar code also tells the library whether the cartridge is a data, cleaning, or diagnostic cartridge. In addition, the bar code includes the two-character media-type identifier Lx (where x equals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, T, U, V, W, X, or Y) or M8.

• L or M identifies the cartridge as an LTO cartridge.
• 1 indicates that the cartridge is the first generation of its type. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 indicates that the cartridge is the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth generation of its type.
• T indicates that the cartridge is a generation 3 WORM cartridge, U indicates that the cartridge is a generation 4 WORM cartridge, V indicates that the cartridge is a generation 5 WORM cartridge, W indicates that the cartridge is a generation 6 WORM cartridge, X indicates that the cartridge is a generation 7 WORM cartridge, and Y indicates that the cartridge is a generation 8 WORM cartridge.