A serial-scanning-type image reading apparatus includes a plurality of light guides. One end of each of the light guides is connected to a supporting plate provided for supporting an original thereon at a position a constant distance apart from a scanner head. The connecting position of each light guide to the supporting plate is in a region within a range in which the scanner head is movable but out of a region in which the original is transported. Each light guide extends from the connecting position to an exterior part of the apparatus. One of the plurality of light guides is selected depending on the operating status of the apparatus, and the scanner head is positioned so that light emitted from a light source is guided through the selected light guide to the exterior part of the apparatus. Thus, it is possible to provide a low-cost indicator for indicating the operating status of the image reading apparatus while maintaining the scanning element and the scanning region covered by a cover.