Document Holders

By placing documents at the same height and distance as the computer monitor, document holders can help prevent both neck/upper back pain and eye strain:

Neck and upper back pain – having to move your head and neck back and forth from document to computer screen can result in neck and back pain.
Eye strain – constantly changing your focus from a computer screen to a document lying on the desk can result in eye strain.

Document holders lessen these pains and strains by reducing the movement and focusing necessary to copy a document onto a computer. There are two main types of document holders:

Document stands – these stands can be set up right next to the computer monitor. They display the document in an upright manner, making it easy to look from screen to document and back again. These are best-positioned when between the keyboard and monitor, creating one easy line of vertical scanning.
Copy clip – a copy clip can be used to clip the document directly next to your computer monitor.

When looking for a document holder, be sure to consider the different features available. Be sure to find the one that best suits you and your workstation habits:

Size – if you have the space, go with a copy holder that can hold two side-by-side pages. It is easier to copy documents if you are not constantly needing to turn the page. Also, some are meant to hold only single sheets while others are large enough and sturdy enough hold open entire books. Depending on your job and duties (and desk space), perhaps the former is all you need. Otherwise, you are sure to find the larger copy holder to be the more useful of the two. A screen-mounted document holder is best if you have very little desk space to work with (and light documents!)
Sturdiness – be sure that the base of the document holder is well-weighted. A sturdy base is necessary if you use the holder to display large and heavy items like books and binders. You do not want to have to worry about the stand tipping over.
Height-adjustable and angle-adjustable – the more adjustable your document holder is, the easier it will be to ensure that you have it at the right level. Keeping it at the right level will help you reduce neck pain and eye strain. Adjusting the tilt of your holder can reduce glare.

An added benefit of document holders is that they can help you organize and clean up the mess on your desk! They do more than just prevent neck pain and eye strain.