This paper argues that the first order of the day in reference collection development is to cope with the problems that developing user-responsive, client-centered reference collections always incur. It is suggested that the responsiveness of reference collections can be measured largely by the currency of the materials in the collection and by the retrospective comprehensiveness of the collection as a whole, and that it becomes possible to deal with the problems only if there is an organized framework for the selection of materials. It is also suggested that one person should serve as the coordinator of reference collection development and have the major responsibility for guiding the development of the collection. Various tools used in identifying appropriate materials for the reference collection are identified, and guidelines for the selection process are offered. Some of the questions that arise in the process of creating a reference collection development policy are also discussed and ways of dealing with them are suggested. Suggestions are also offered for identifying alternative or ephemeral materials--e.g., publications from museums, learned societies, private membership organizations, and small and alternative presses--and integrating them into the reference collection. In conclusion, it is argued that a major benefit of organizing the reference collection development process should be to increase its visibility as an integral part of reference librarianship. The appended handouts include samples of fliers and advertisements for reference materials. (7 references) (BBM)