Abstract: A variable speed linear tape drive includes a driver portion for rotating a supply reel of a tape cartridge having storage media spooled therein, a motor coupled to rotate the driver portion, a controller configured to control the motor in accordance with a control algorithm, an interface for one or more of sending data to and receiving data from a host; and a buffer for storing one or more of data received from the host and data to be transmitted to the host, the buffer operable to supply a buffer fill level indication to the controller, wherein the control algorithm is operable to generate a difference between a target buffer fill level and the buffer fill level indication and adjust at least one of an angular velocity or an acceleration of the motor to reduce the difference.