A tape drive comprises a spool support (30) for supporting a tape spool (32), wherein the spool support comprises a support surface (34) mounted to a tape drive base plate (36) such that the support surface (34) is fixed against rotation relative to the base plate (36), the support surface (34) being configured such that, in use, as tape is removed from or wound onto the spool (32), the spool (32) rotates relative to the spool support (30) such that the spool (32) rotates around the support surface (34).