A method is described for reading information from and/or writing information to at least one sheet of flexible sheet material. The sheet having a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces and opposing lengthwise and widthwise edges. The sheet material is supported in a curved configuration across the width such that the first surface is inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration to define a cylindrical shape having the lengthwise edges positioned in a confronting relationship. The sheet is then moved in a direction along a lengthwise path generally parallel to the length and transverse to the direction of curvature, but without rotation about the lengthwise path. At least one of reading information and writing information is performed transversely across the width of the first surface of the sheet material as the sheet material is moved along the path.