Hand-operated document reader/imager with document retention device including manually-powered anti-skew methodology

A hand-operated document processor includes a base including a perforated bed for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. The base defines a chamber under the perforated bed. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A document positioning and retentioning device connected to the base includes a manually-powered anti-skew device for creating a vacuum. The created vacuum is provided to the chamber under the perforated bed such that the vacuum, acting through the perforations, securely holds the document during the scanning operation.