In a back lighting device for a side light type panel, one end portion of a specular or light diffusing/reflecting film covering a linear light source is bonded to one end portion of a light conducting plate which is on the side of its light emerging surface and is in proximity of the linear light source, and a light diffusing/reflecting film is laid through an air layer on the part of the rear surface of the light conducting plate which corresponds to the junction. The back lighting device of the invention is small in size, large in effective light emitting area when compared with its external dimensions, and excellent in the distribution of luminance. Hence, it can be used as a back light device that is highly efficient in converting power to luminance.