The invention relates to a simplified method for detecting leaks on a non-rigid test specimen, comprising the steps of: introducing the test specimen into a film chamber, lowering the pressure in the film chamber outside of said test specimen, and detecting a leak in the test specimen on the basis of a spatial change in the film of said film chamber. The tape reel is provided with a cylindrical hub around which the magnetic tape is wound and a pair of upper and lower flanges. A partition is inserted through the upper opening to define a plurality of chambers in the interior. In another embodiment the clamp is designed to connect two beams together. In the event that the vibration is abnormal, the controller generates a warning signal to warn the operator of the storage library of a possible problem prior to actual failure of the robotic mechanism.