Identity area
Reference code
Heritage collection CERN-OBJ-CERN-OBJ-IT-051
Title
Paper Punch Tape
Date(s)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
Object
Context area
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Physicists coded and recorded their programs through series of holes on punch paper tape or on punched cards. It was popular in the 1970s due to its high throughput speed and low cost, paper tape was one of the original data storage methods for computers. Information was encoded in the distinct pattern of holes punched in the paper; the paper itself was oiled to facilitate being run through the reading mechanism and to prevent tears due to brittleness. Though the paper was cheap, it had low storage capacity (only a few dozen kilobytes per roll) and the machinery involved in punching the holes was quite expensive. Higher capacity alternatives, such as magnetic tape, has get developped.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Public
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
14 cm 2,5 cm
Finding aids
Generated finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
On loan, 513-R-052.
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
CDS number
2273932
