Heather, several weeks ago someone asked that same question and this is what
I wrote:
the book I would recommend is *Mastering Access 2002
Premium Edition* by Alan Simpson and Celeste Robinson (Sybex), available on
Amazon.com (where you can browse the Table of Contents). Simpson is a true
database guru and a superb author whose hallmark is clarity and
thoroughness. The book's "Access in an Evening" chapter is the perfect jump
start. The "Understanding Databases" chapter is a *too* brief but *still*
useful overview
of database design. The remaining chapters take you through all the features
of Access and will likely answer any questions you have for a long time.
Other respondents replied with other recommendations but one (I don't
remember who) posted what I thought was the best reply of all: Go to a large
bookstore, browse the Access books, and find the one that appeals the most
to you. Step by Step, for Dummies, Sams Teach Yourself in 24 Hours, Plain
and Simple are all pretty much the same. Each of us has his/her own learning
style. Pick the one that best caters to your learning style. (I like the
visual approach myself, and there are a couple of good books that take that
approach out there.) Whatever book you choose, work at it, and don't
hesitate to post questions when you have them. Best of luck to you!
