Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing access to computerized information services for users unequipped with computers, particularly information services related to commercial transactions. Facsimile images of hardcopy forms are used as means for conveying transactional information.Each facsimile image contains character and data fields with information for a particular trade transaction. The system captures the facsimile image in bitmap form and converts the character and data fields into computer readable form. The system enhances each image and performs several levels of feature extraction, including character recognition techniques. To efficiently and automatically convert great document volumes, the system optimizes database lookup and human operator manual keying to assist character recognition techniques in developing accurate coded text from the features of the facsimile image.