Department of Pacific Affairs In Briefs: A Snapshot

Abstract

Recently, the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) conducted a survey of our readership to evaluate the relevance, quality and impact of our In Briefs.1 In Briefs are the DPA’s flagship publication series, aimed at enhancing understanding of the Pacific, building research capacity and amplifying voices from the region. The survey sought to systematically capture data about how our publications are being received and used by readers as well as readers’ topic preferences. This data was intended to complement quantitative download metrics and periodic feedback from individual readers. Based on the survey responses, this In Brief reflects on the impact and value of our series and provides insights into its reach and how this is changing over time, and the topics highlighted by our survey respondents in the region. We begin by discussing the role, intention and format of the series. We then discuss the survey we conducted to gauge our readership’s engagement. Finally, we consider who is writing DPA In Briefs. Moving forward, our intention is to conduct regular readership attitude surveys to gauge changes over time. This will enable appropriate adjustments to our editorial approach.