Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an image reading device has a first document setting section for setting a document, and a second document setting section included in an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) which is capable of supporting and processing a document independently of the first document setting section. The second document setting section allows a number of documents to be stacked thereon. A switching device selectively causes either the document of the first document setting section or that of the second document setting section to be read. A control unit interrupts, when a read request requesting a first reading operation using the first document setting section is input while a second reading operation using the second document setting section is under way, the second reading operation, then executes the first reading operation, and then resumes the second reading operation after the first reading operation.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), a conveyor mechanism sequentially conveys documents from a document feeding section to a document collecting section by way of a slit for scanning the documents. The feeding section and collecting section are disposed one above the other. The ADF including the feeding section and collecting section can be bodily pulled out toward the operator away from a scanner including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, lens, and light source.