Why was the work of a scribe so highly valued in the Middle Ages?

In the Middle Ages, the work of a scribe was highly valued due to their crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge. Scribes meticulously copied manuscripts by hand, including religious texts, literature, and legal documents, which were essential for education and administration in a largely illiterate society. Their skills were rare and required extensive training, making them key figures in monasteries and courts, where they contributed to the continuity of cultural and historical knowledge. Additionally, the scarcity of written materials made their work indispensable for communication and record-keeping.