Predicting failure of a magnetic tape head element

The computer-implemented method for evaluating a tape head element, comprising:

• receiving a calibration parameter for a first tape head element and a first tape cartridge at a first time;
• receiving a first trend for the first tape head element, wherein the first trend is determined from two or more calibration parameters for the first tape head element determined at respective times prior to the first time;
• determining a second trend from the received calibration parameter for the first tape head element and the first tape cartridge, and the two or more calibration parameters for the first tape head element determined at respective times prior to the first time;
• determining whether the second trend differs from the first trend by more than a first trend change parameter;
• in response to determining that the second trend differs from the first trend by more than the trend change parameter, determining whether a second trend change parameter for a second tape head element is stored in a memory, the second trend change parameter being determined from a plurality of calibration parameters for the second tape head element, wherein at least one of the plurality of calibration parameters is for the second tape head element and the first tape cartridge;
• in response to determining that a second trend change parameter for a second tape head element is stored in a memory, generating a warning regarding the first tape cartridge.

A system for evaluating a tape head element, comprising:

• a computer system comprising, a processor, a computer readable storage medium, and program instructions stored on the computer readable storage medium being executable by the processor to cause the computer system to:
• receive a first calibration parameter for a first tape head element at a first time;
• compare the calibration parameter for the first tape head element with a reference parameter;
• and
• determine whether to remove the first tape head element from service based on a result of the comparison.