The reference interview is a critical function of reference work; what a librarian says and does can either build a relationship of trust and satisfaction with patrons, or serve to distance them from librarians. This pilot study examined the attitudes of academic and public librarians toward the reference interview. Librarians from Kent State University Libraries (Ohio) and the Medina County District Libraries (Ohio) were surveyed to determine the type of training that librarians had received regarding the reference interview, and their attitudes about behaviors determined useful in conducting the reference interview. The results of the survey showed that the librarians felt they had received formal training in conducting the reference interview, and that most of the training was given by their employer. Almost all librarians surveyed felt that the skills needed in order to successfully conduct a reference interview are something that can be taught. When asked to rank a list of behaviors determined to be useful when conducting the reference interview, smiling was most frequently cited as the most important behavior. Asking open questions was considered to be the most important behavior in terms of level of importance. A discussion of the techniques necessary to successfully conduct a reference interview is also included. Fourteen tables show distribution of responses and ranking of important behaviors. The reference interview cover letter and survey are appended. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/AEF)