Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for selectively cooling an elongated lamp in a document scanning mode. A flow of cooling air is created which passes along a conduit extending along the length of the lamp to provide selective cooling draughts along various portions of the lamp envelope. The source of the cooling air is a blower directing air along the interior of a guide rail extending in parallel with the direction of movement of the lamp. One end of the conduit is thermaqlly coupled to the interior of the guide rail so as to connect a flow of cooling air passing through the guide rail interior into the interior of the conduit at all relative positions of the scanning lamp. A recoiling tape is connected between the lamp and the cooling air source, the tape being withdrawn during a scan operation to effectively seal the guide rail interior, confining the moving air in a more efficient fashion.