Document holders are designed to hold reading material to encourage better positioning according to the visual and ergonomic needs of the user. If positioned well document holders may assist in the prevention of neck and shoulder strain by reducing bending and twisting movements of the neck.
Ideally a document holder should be placed between the keyboard and the monitor for optimum positioning. However, where there is insufficient space to achieve this an upright movable document holder can be positioned next to the screen at the same height and visual distance from the user of the screen.
A-frame or angled document holders can be positioned between the screen and keyboard to support multiple or bulky papers. A-frames need sufficient adjustment to raise, lower and angle documents to accommodate different screen heights and desk depths.
Line guides are simple counter-weighted devices which keep your place on your document. Line guides are invaluable for editing tasks or for wherever you would use your finger to mark a place on the document.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Some document holders have a transparent line guide with magnifying properties to assist people with vision impairment. People with cognitive limitations may also find reading easier through use of a line guide to identify or highlight one line of text at a time.
Document holders are ideally positioned the same distance from your eyes as the computer monitor. This prevents fatigue caused by repeatedly refocusing your eyes. However, if the print on your documents is so small that you cannot see it from that distance bring the document closer to you, rather than bending your neck or straining forward to see the document. See the link below for information regarding correct workstation set up:
References
Comcare 2008, Officewise: A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 21 July 2010, <http://www.comcare.gov.au/forms__and__publications/publications/safety_and_prevention/?a=39570>.
Ergonomics in Australia (no date specified), How to sit at a computer, Ergonomics in Australia, Melbourne, viewed 21 July 2010, <http://www.ergonomics.com.au/pages/400_useful_info/420_how_to_sit.htm>.
Job Accommodation Network 2010, Job Accommodations for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 21 July 2010, http://askjan.org/media/employmentmrfact.doc.
StretchNow (no date specified), In line document holder – Ergonomic, Stretch Now Group, Melbourne, viewed 21 July 2010, <http://www.stretchnow.com.au/products/document_holders.htm>.