Publication survey panel provides low cost reader feedback

A reader´s most positive acceptance of a journal is usually expressed by his subscription renewal. Some readers are denied this opportunity to express their feelings about a journal if they receive it gratis as part of a membership in a society or organization. Whichever the case, it is the responsibility of the editor and publisher to meet the needs and expectations of their readers. A variety of techniques are used by editors and publishers to determine what the reader wants. The American Institute of Physics (AIP) has formed the AIP Publications Survey Panel. The Panel contains 3000 members and is a means of establishing regular communications between editors and a cress section of the readership of our journals. This paper examines the publication survey panel, the willingness of society members to participate, and the kinds of information wanted and received.