To provide a small-sized image read unit of less power consumption such as a handy scanner.

A linear light source 10, a linear image sensor 20 and a graded index lens array 40, etc., are housed inside a hollow transparent roller 60 rotated in contact with an original and the transparent roller 60 is covered with a case body, excluding the part which is in contact with the original. Thus, since the light source is not disposed on the outside of the transparent roller as in conventional cases, this unit can be miniaturized, the angle of incidence from the linear light source 10 to the transparent roller 60 is brought closer to vertical and thus, the loss of light is reduced and the power consumption of the linear light source 10 is reduced.