Peer-reviewed bioinformatic resources foster accessibility, transparency, reproducibility, and rigor in the microbial sciences.

The Databases, Software Tools, and Web-based Services special issue of Microbiology Resource Announcements features announcements that foster transparent, open, rigorous, and reproducible practices in the microbial sciences. These resources span the microbial sources and the three types of bioinformatic resources sought in the call for submissions. By publishing in Microbiology Resource Announcements, developers improve the discoverability and utility of their bioinformatic resources. Furthermore, it provides them with an opportunity to be credited for their work developing the resource. It also signals to the community that the resource is intended for broader use. The bioinformatic resources announced in this special issue fit alongside the other types of resources more commonly published in the journal and serve as useful companions to research articles published across ASM's journals portfolio. Looking forward, the journal continues to seek submissions that continue the strong momentum created by the announcements included in this special issue.