A method includes, for files in a storage system requested in sequence by an application, identifying a pre-file and identifying a post-file requested after the pre-file. The method also includes incrementing a pre-read count for the pre-file in file attributes associated with the pre-file and incrementing a post-read count for the post-file in file attributes associated with the post-file. The method includes selecting a position in a save list for each file based on the pre-read and post-read counts and saving the files on tape media according to the relative positions of the files in the save list. A computer program product includes one or more computer readable storage media and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media. The program instructions includes program instructions to perform foregoing method. A system includes a processor and logic configured to perform the foregoing method.