Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joe Miller, Ms2007-012 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Acquisition Information

The Joe Miller Collection was donated to the Special Collections in 2007.

Processing Information

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.

Biographical Information

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.

Scope and Content

The 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.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.