Oliver (Bernard M.) Oral History Interview, 1985-1986
Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Bernard M. Oliver oral history interview
- Dates:
- 1985-1986
- Creators:
- Oliver, Bernard M.
- Abstract:
- Transcript of an interview conducted by Arthur L. Norberg covering Oliver's early life, his education, and work experiences at Bell Laboratories and Hewlett-Packard. Subjects include television research, radar, information theory, organizational climate and objectives at both companies, Hewlett-Packard's associations with Stanford University, and Oliver's association with William Hewlett and David Packard.
- Extent:
- 0.02 Linear Feet (1 folder)
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
Bernard M. Oliver Oral History Interview (SCM0111). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The interview covers Oliiver' s early life, education, and work experiences at Bell Laboratories and Hewlett-Packard. Oliver began his formal education at Cal ifornia Institute of Technology at the age of fifteen and transferred to Stanford University for his junior and senior years to study electrical engineering with Frederick Terman. There he became associated with William Hewlett and David Packard. After receiving his degree in 1935 he returned to California Institute of Technology for graduate work, from which he joined Bell Laboratories in 1939. His initial assignment there was in the television research group under Axel Hansen. During World War II he worked at Bell on radar. Later he continued his work in television technology and worked with Claude Shannon on information theory. He discusses the organizational climate and objectives at Bell Laboratories in the 1940s and compares it to Hewlett-Packard, which he joined in 1950 as Director of Research. Many aspects of Hewlett-Packard are discussed: vertical integration, distribution of projects, company structure, competitors, associations with Stanford University, mil itary contracts, and recruiting issues. Oliver concludes the interview by discussing his associations with William Hewlett, David Pac kard, and others at Hewlett-Packard Corporation.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Oliver earned his a.b. in engineering at Stanford University in 1935, studying with Frederick Terman. After graduate work at the California Institute of Technology, he joined Bell Laboratories. In 1950 He joined the Hewlett-Packard company as director of research.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-07-21 15:42:25 -0700 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Reproduction is prohibited.
- Terms of access:
-
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California 94304-6064. Consent is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s) or assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/pubserv/permissions.html.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
- Preferred citation:
-
Bernard M. Oliver Oral History Interview (SCM0111). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
- Location of this collection:
-
Stanford University Archives, Green Library557 Escondido MallStanford, CA 94305-6064, US
- Contact:
- (650) 725-1022