A scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand in hieratics; cuneiform or other scripts and may help keep track of records for priests and government.

The profession; previously found in all literate cultures in some form; lost most of its importance and status with the advent of printing. The work could involve copying books; including sacred texts; or secretarial and administrative duties; such as taking of dictation and the keeping of business; judicial and; historical records for kings; nobles; temples; and cities. Later the profession developed into public servants; journalists; accountants; typists; and lawyers. In societies with low literacy rates; street-corner letter-writers (and readers) may still be found providing a service.