an information reader for reading both light transmissive and light reflective information from an information carrying medium such as a card is provided . the information reader is adapted to selectively dispose a card at a reading position . a transmissive light source is disposed on a first side of the reading position for directing light at the card to be transmitted therethrough . a reflective light source is disposed on the other side of the reading position for directing light at the medium to be reflected therefrom . a light sensitive transducer circuit is disposed proximate to the reading position on the same side of the medium as the reflective light source for detecting either the light transmitted through the medium when the reader is in a transmissive mode , or the light reflected from the medium when the reader is in a reflective mode . a mode selection switching circuit is coupled to the reflective light source , transmissive light source and light sensitive transducer for selectively energizing either the transducer and transmissive light source to dispose same into a transmissive mode of operation , or energizes the transducer and reflecting light source to dispose same into a reflective mode of operation .