An image reading system, in which an image reading method is performed, includes a document feeder, a media determination unit, a transfer controller, an image reader, and a read controller. The document feeder feeds and transfers an original document consisting of at least one of a non-electronic medium and an electronic paper including a memory, a display unit, and a conductive member. The media determination unit determines whether the original document is the non-electronic medium or not. The transfer controller controls a transfer operation performed by the document feeder, based on results obtained by the media determination unit. The image reader optically reads either an image on the non-electronic medium or on the electronic paper. The read controller controls a reading operation performed by the image reader.