Recalling data from tape

A method comprising:

• in response to a request to recall data from a tape:
• determining that the request does not specify a read position;
• determining that the read position is not available in a tape directory;
• in response to the determining that the read position is not specified or available, determining the read position by skimming the tape;
• starting to read the tape at the read position;
• determining that the tape comprises a damaged region;
• determining a start position of the damaged region by skimming the tape;
• determining an end position of the damaged region by skimming the tape;
• reading between the read position and the start position of the damaged region;
• and
• reading between the end position of the damaged region and an end of data indicator for the data.

A computer program product comprising one or more computer readable storage media having computer executable instructions that when executed cause on or more processors to:

• determine that a request to recall data from a tape does not specify a read position;
• determine that the read position is not available in a tape directory;
• in response to the determining that the read position is not specified or available, determine the read position by skimming the tape;
• start to read the tape at the read position;
• determine that the tape comprises a damaged region;
• determine a start position of the damaged region by skimming the tape;
• determine an end position of the damaged region by skimming the tape;
• read between the read position and the start position of the damaged region;
• and
• read between the end position of the damaged region and an end of data indicator for the data.