Page 86 - Fall2020

AT READER SURVEY
Figure 3. Bar graph depicting readers preferred reading methods based on their time as members in ASA.
respondents also reported a higher likelihood than other ASA age groups for reading only the print edition, with 51.1% selecting this response.
What do we do with this information? First and fore- most, it shows us that although so much media is moving to electronic formats, our print edition still has a place in the Society, and not just with readers who remember time before the internet. In fact, a number of respondents mentioned that they read the print maga- zine as a way to take a break from all the screen time required in the modern era.
A few readers mentioned they wished they could get e-mail notifications so they could find out about updates to the AT website. Great news! We actually already have this set up, and all ASA members should receive a notification to the e-mail address associated with their ASA membership. If you are not a member or would like to receive additional notifications, you can sign up to receive notifications of new AT issues on the website (see acousticstoday.org).
What Do They Read? Why?
Our next line of questions inquired about what our read- ers focus on in the magazine. Of respondents, 59.1% read some or most of each issue, 37.8% said they read articles in some issues if the topics interest them, and 3.0% said they don’t generally read AT.
The main articles in the magazine draw the most attention, with 98.7% of readers saying they read some or all of the articles sometimes or always. “Sound Perspective” essays are also frequently read, with 89% saying they read some or all of the essays sometimes or always. Many respon- dents mentioned that they skim through the entire issue and read what they find interesting. One reader noted, “I’m pleasantly surprised by how much of each issue is really interesting. The breadth of topics is a real plus.” Another said, “Usually there is at least one article that I read or skim, and often more. Loved the article on Carleen Hutchins!”
When we tried to parse what types of material are read- ers’ favorites, we found that readers are most likely to read research articles in their general fields of interest (selected by 83.4% of respondents) and about the history of vari- ous acoustical topics (76.3% of respondents). Quite a few readers also appreciate articles about the work of noted acousticians and about research fields outside of their own areas of interests. And, we were happy to see, some admit- ted that it was hard to choose one option over another; one reader quipped, “These three favorites are more favorite than my other three favorites.”
Because AT goes to all members of the Society, the maga- zine provides features like Letters from the Editor and the President as well as “Sound Perspectives” essays on various TCs, administrative comments, special groups, and so on to keep members informed about the Society. The overall consensus of readers was that this information is useful and informative as is.
We also asked readers why they read AT. Although the most common reason listed was to read articles in one’s own field (selected by 81.6% of respondents), many (73%) also read to learn about acoustic topics outside of their field and about other interesting topics. One reader said, “AT is my ‘fashion’ magazine. I feel I keep updated with what researchers are doing in their fields.” Another wrote, “It is my connection to others in my field and the status of new developments, technologies, etc.” And, as it turns out, quite a few instructors like to use AT in their classrooms, with many mentioning that they use the material both for undergraduate and graduate students...and even to educate random nonacousticians in their lives.
Acoustics Today Online
One fact that quickly became apparent from the survey is the number of people who don’t realize that AT is
86 Acoustics Today • Fall 2020