This paper reports a research project funded by the State Library of NSW and the National Library of Australia which focuses on the training needs of public librarians for using electronic databases, and the subsequent development of training modules to address them. The paper discusses literature relevant to training issues in database use for public librarians and then presents the method for the project, along with the findings of the initial fieldwork: the results of the observation of skills in a sample group and the investigation of self-perceived skills and training needs in the same group. It concludes with the outline of the training modules which are proposed. These modules will use a "lens" to improve and fast track learning of databases. The researchers believe that, with the aid of the "lens", librarians can master any new database, including its idiosyncrasies, very quickly. In this way, librarians should gain more confidence in working with databases, and feel less stressed by the constant proliferation of interfaces and formats. (Contains 2 footnotes.)