Young scholars in the developing world who want to publish research articles are often stymied by a shortage of books on statistics and research methods. Longwood University faculty members recently joined in an international effort to help.

Faculty members from Longwood’s College of Education and Human Services donated about 100 statistics textbooks to the Research Methods Library of Alexandria in Egypt.

The library, part of the venerable Library of Alexandria, is devoted to improving scientific publishing in Africa and throughout the developing world by providing greater access to information related to research methods.

“It’s gratifying to be part of a useful effort that will help young scholars,” said Dr. Chrys Kosarchyn, professor of health education, who spearheaded the Longwood effort. “These books represent the beginning of an ongoing effort.”

Longwood shipped the books Aug. 17 to a warehouse in New York City, which are scheduled for shipment to Egypt by the end of the month. Bookplates identify them as being from Longwood’s College of Education and Human Services. Dean Dr. Paul Chapman paid for the shipping. Dr. Audrey Church, Dr. Ruth Meese and Dr. Peggy Tarpley donated the books after Kosarchyn, who also donated books, sent out an email last spring.

“It’s hard for college professors to part with their books because we like them so much,” said Kosarchyn with a laugh. “Fortunately, statistical methods, which are crucial in research, don’t change, so even older stats books are still useful.”

The Alexandria library also houses a so-called “Supercourse,” which offers 183,000 free online PowerPoint lectures on global health issues and other science-related topics, and more recently also statistics, throughout the world.

“I’ve used some of these lectures in my classes,” Kosarchyn said, calling the Supercourse “another way the library is improving knowledge.”