What is "genreflecting"

Genreflecting is the process of examining and analyzing the patterns and characteristics of literary genres—both fiction and recreational nonfiction; and using that analysis to identify titles with similar appeals to readers (i.e., read-alikes), in order to make reading suggestions to individuals who are seeking their next read. The term "genreflecting" was first coined by Betty Rosenberg, a prominent Library Science educator, who also wrote a book Genreflecting: a guide to reading interests in genre fiction (Libraries Unlimited, 1982). Since that time, the term has been commonly adopted by Readers' Advisors in libraries and extended to nonfiction genres as well as fiction. A similar practice in retail bookstores is called "hand-selling".