Abstract: A removable data cartridge for storing information is disclosed. The removable data cartridge includes an outer casing and an electrical connector. The outer casing has a front side having an opening therein, a back side located opposite the front side, a left side, a left edge between the left side and the front side, a top side, a top edge between the top side and the front side wherein the top edge is longer than the left edge, and a bottom side. A keying feature of the outer casing extends from the front side toward the back side to prevent improper insertion of the removable data cartridge through a fixed aperture in a drive. The electrical connector accessible from outside the outer casing at the opening in the front side.

Abstract: An archival cartridge management system for conditioning removable data cartridges and normal archival operations is disclosed. The archival cartridge management system includes a cartridge holder and a controller. The cartridge holder has a connector configured for coupling to a removable data cartridge. The connector is coupled to the controller, which performs archival functions on removable data cartridges. The controller reads from removable data cartridges to determine if at least some data stored on a removable data cartridge should be refreshed. If so, the controller refreshes data stored on the removable data cartridge.