Dan (and others), 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 brief but 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.
Make your way through this book and you will be ready to tackle more
advanced books like Alison Balter's.
DDM
"DDM's Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks"
http://ddmara.tripod.com