Temperature and humidity control. Tapes fare better in an environment that is clean and stable. Magnetic tape ideally should be stored at a constant temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If tape is stored at temperatures significantly above or below this figure, the tape should be stabilized in a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 to 48 hours before it is used again. The air pressure in use in storage areas should be greater so that air flows out rather than in, helping keep contaminates from entering the storage area.
Physical damage can occur.
Tapes can be physically damaged in several ways. The recorded information will usually not change unless altered magnetically or unless the tape deteriorates because of physical damage. Although it is highly unlikely that magnetic tapes will be erased accidentally by energy sources or magnetic fields, these sources, though weak, can affect tape significantly if they come in close proximity or in direct contact with the tapes. To prevent such accidental erasures, keep the tapes away from suspected energy or magnetic sources. The computer room is not thought of as a desirable storage area because of the high magnetic fields in use during operation of the tape units.