The collection is open for research.
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Joe Miller Collection, Ms2007-801, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Joe Miller Collection was donated to the Special Collections in 2007.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joe Miller Collection began in November 2007 and was completed in December 2007. Some preliminary processing was done in October 2007.
Joe Miller was most well-known for being a pioneer in implementing the bar code system in retail stores. He was born in Richmond, VA and served in the Navy during the second World War. After the war, he took a job at Thalhimer's Department Stores in Richmond where he helped to create a computer system to track inventory. Later, he took a job working for the National Retail Merchants Association(NRMA) as the director of retail standards and technology. There Miller worked on the implementation of bar code systems. Joe Miller died in April of 2003 at the age of 82.
The Joe Miller Collection consists of materials concerned with the implementation of inventory control systems in the retail industry. These materials include proposals, manuals, and handbooks related to inventory controls systems like the bar code. There are also manuals relating to creation of merchandise classifications and implementation of code systems. Also included with the collection are two obituaries giving information about Miller's life as a bar code pioneer as well as personal information.
The collection is arranged chronologically.
The guide to the Joe Miller Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).