This paper examines the use of paraprofessionals at reference desks in a random sample of Ohio public libraries. The assumption underlying this research is that before one can address the effectiveness of reference paraprofessionals, it is necessary to understand the extent to which they are used; the tasks they perform; and the conditions associated with their use. The purpose of this research is to describe the extent to which paraprofessionals are found working at the reference desk. The second emphasis will be to explain why some libraries use reference paraprofessionals more than others by examining library size, hours of operation, workload, and nature of training. The results showed widespread use of reference paraprofessionals: they work in 85% of the libraries surveyed and provide half of the reference service in 58% of the libraries. Their tasks range from basic (directional and instructional) to complex (supervision and collection development). Analysis indicated reliance on paraprofessionals was greatest in small and medium-sized libraries. Included in the appendix is the public library reference survey. (Contains 34 references.) (JLB)