Are you a database administrator looking to make the big move toward development? A programmer looking to make the rewarding plunge into database work? Perhaps you're even a seasoned database developer looking for a few good reference books. Here are my top five picks, representing five commonly used technologies.
1. Access Database Design & Programming
If you’re a hard-core Access developer and you’re not looking for information on other technologies, this book will definitely work for you. It covers generic design topics, provides an introduction to SQL for Access and then examines the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) language in detail. 
2. ADO.NET in a Nutshell
Long time readers of my columns know that I’m a big fan of the O’Reilly series of books. This work on ADO.NET prepares developers to work with a variety of Microsoft technologies ranging from text files to SQL Server with a lot in between!
3. ASP.NET in a Nutshell
Another O'Reilly book, ASP.NET in a Nutshell provides the familiar concise "what you need to know" content we've come to expect. This book begins with a brief introduction to Active Server Pages followed by a comprehensive object reference. My copy is always sitting on a corner of my desk and the pages are dog-eared.4. Mastering Visual Basic .NET Database Programming
If you're working with Visual Basic.NET and SQL Server 2000, this book is a must read. It explains the .NET architecture and walks you through the development of database applications using these technologies.5. Java Oracle Database Development
If Oracle's your game and Java is your programming language of choice, you'll find this brief reference work indispensable. However, be forewarned that this book is NOT an introduction to Oracle databases, SQL or Java. You'll need to be comfortable with all three before reading this fine book that ties them all together.