An image reader (A) includes a plurality of light sources (6) arranged
in line, the light from which travels through a channel (14) and irradiates
a linear read area (S). The channel (14) is divided into a plurality of
sections (14a) by a plurality of partitions (15). Thus, uniform
brightness is obtained in the whole part of the linear read area (S), including
both ends and the central part.
