data entry clerk, also known as data preparation and control operator, data registration and control operator, and data preparation and registration operator, is a member of staff employed to enter or update data into a computer system.^[1][2] Data is often entered into a computer from paper documents^[3] using a keyboard.^[4] The keyboards used can often have special keys and multiple colors to help in the task and speed up the work.^[5] Proper ergonomics at the workstation is a common topic considered.^[6][7][8]

A data entry clerk

The data entry clerk may also use a mouse,^[9][10] and a manually-fed scanner may be involved.^[11]

Speed and accuracy, not necessarily in that order, are the key measures of the job.^[12]