This document discusses barriers to asking reference questions and techniques for overcoming them. It notes that physical barriers like desks and computers, as well as psychological barriers like societal messages of independence and ignorance of library resources, can prevent people from asking questions. The document recommends librarian approaches like smiling, making eye contact, and being helpful to appear more approachable. It also suggests using open-ended questions and techniques like reassuring, responding, restating and repeating information to build rapport. The document discusses guidelines for respectful behavior from the Reference and User Services Association and framing reference interviews as opportunities to market additional library resources.