ZMU Highly Rated by Its Readers

From July 15, 1993 (update #17)

The results of the Zebra Mussel Update Readerhip Survey (sent out in ZMU #16) offer some revealing information about our readers and their interests. A total of 737 readers responded, telling us who they were, what they think about the publication and ways we can better satisfy their informational needs. An overwhelming 90 percent of respondents said ZMU is one of their principal sources of information about zebra mussels. An equally impressive 86 percent said they share ZMU with their colleagues. Eighty percent of our readers have been receiving ZMU for more than a year. Sixty percent reported reading it upon arrival; 38 percent, within days. Thirty-two percent of the respondents are in the private sector, 24 percent in government, 18 percent in faculty or academic positions, and three percent in the media (23 percent described their affiliation as "other"). With respect to subject matter, 43 percent ranked zebra mussel control as the topic of greatest interest. Thirty percent said they were most interested in the ecological impacts of zebra mussels, and 20 percent were interested in recent sightings in Wisconsin. Sightings elsewhere, conferences and new publications were most important to only seven percent. Finally, 55 percent said ZMU is "very good," while 37 percent rated it "excellent." And 98 percent of those surveyed want to remain on our mailing list - and will. To all who responded, thanks! If you did not return your survey form and would like to stay on the ZMU mailing list, please contact Jane Schwantz by Aug. 20 - phone (608) 262-0645, fax (608) 263-2063 or Internet jaschwantz@macc.wisc.edu.

ID: 19930715-10.

The Zebra Mussel Update was a 4- to 8-page quarterly national newsletter published by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute from May 1990 through May 1997. The ZMU documented the spread of the zebra mussel -- an exotic nuisance mussel -- through North America's freshwater environments, especially the Great Lakes, and on efforts to control it.