The subject of this investigation is nondestructive readout of metallic-tape memory cores by the application of a magnetomotive force spatially in quadrature to the direction of remanent flux. A simple method of fabrication is proposed and empirical data for the design of the nondestructive read systems is obtained. The use of nondestructive readout is not limited to digital computer circuits and no attempt has been made to use this method in any particular application; an experimental shift register was built, however, to test the method in a practical application. The nature of the system permits high-speed low-current-level operation in either digital or analog applications.