October 1, 2010 (Vol. 30, No. 17)
URL:
http://textbookofbacteriology.net
Rating:
Strong Points: Nicely organized, professional-looking
Weak Points: “Instructor aids” are links to lectures related to the book’s chapters
Summary:
Anybody who has ever had his/her wallet gouged by exorbitant textbook prices will appreciate Todar’s Online Textbook of Bacteriology. Here is a website that offers knowledge like that contained within a traditional textbook, sans the high price tag. Credit must be given to Kenneth Todar of the University of Wisconsin for his time investment in developing this great online resource, which is divided (as any textbook would be) into chapters listed in the table of contents. Alternatively, users can search the entire textbook for keywords. While not on the same scale as a 400-page tome on bacteriology, this online textbook provides a great deal of information for anyone looking to brush up on specific aspects of bacteriology or gain an introduction to the field. (And, as an extra bonus, it doesn’t hurt your back to carry it around!)
