Abstract: A keyboard for use with a terminal in a telephone operator assistance system is disclosed. The keyboard has a numeric array of keys that is surrounded on three sides by separate arrays of specialized function keys. The keyboard is arranged so that the most common keying sequence consists of the operation of a function key in the array to the left of the numeric array, the operation of keys in the numeric array, and the operation of a function key in the array to the right of the numeric array. This keyboard arrangement has been found experimentally to reduce operator work time. In addition, the keyboard contains a main array including alphabetic keys and miscellaneous function keys, and arrays of function keys to the left of and in back of the main array. The function keys are grouped in different arrays according to the type of function being performed, and the relationship of that function to the operation of keys in the numeric array.