Book Holders
What are Book Holders?
Book Holders are common workstation accessories used to
improve viewability and accessibility to reference materials
(books, binders, file folders, etc.) while working on a
computer (or alternate documents). Typically this type
of accessory provides the ability to improve the physical
location and angle of the material. As a secondary
function, Book Holders can also be used as Writing
Surfaces but their suitability for this will depend on
the length of the writing activity.
What are the Ergonomic Benefits of a Book Holder?
Book Holders can help to ensure proper posture by placing
materials that need to be viewed in a less awkward position
in the workstation of a user. This helps to reduce Overextension when placing and removing reference materials from the field
of view.
Book Holders typically reposition materials so they are
immediately to the left or right of the user at the same
height as their monitor. This can remove issues with
neck posture by removing the need to look down at reference
materials and support the head in that position for extended
periods of time.
What are Potential Concerns when Considering a Book
Holder?
Book Holders are not ideal for all types of reference
materials. Thicker piles of papers, binders, file
folders and reference books can be difficult to properly
position on Book Holders. Some materials may have to
be 'wedged open' (e.g. hard-cover books and file folders) so
it is critical to ensure that the Book Holder in question
has the desired features to meet these needs.
While Book Holders can also serve as a suitable Writing
Surface, this is their secondary function. For
shorter writing requirements, they will serve the purpose,
but they should not be used for extensive writing
activities.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are Book Holders
Suitable?
When viewing reference materials, the optimal angle is
significantly more vertical than horizontal (somewhere
between 50° and 90°). When writing, the optimal angle
is significantly more horizontal than vertical (somewhere
between 0° and 40°). As such for viewing and short
writing periods, Book Holders are suitable. If more
than very brief notes need to be written, it is critical
that the Book Holder can adjust in angle to have a more
horizontal position for writing tasks. If this is not
the case, or materials are unable to be accommodated,
consider Writing
Surfaces as an alternative.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions Typically Benefit
from a Book Holder?
Book Holders can be of benefit to a wide variety of
individuals including individuals with conditions such as Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome, Lateral
Epicondylitus and Medial
Epicondylitus.
